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A DESCRIPTION 




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SOUTH FLORIDA 

Real Estate Exchange. 

OFFICE IN CITY HOTEL BUILDING. 

SANFORD, ORANGE CO., FLA, 

oHV-r for jiale 

ORANGE GROVES, 

Town Lots, 

Farms 5 Market Gardens 

ami iminjproveil 

PINE AND HAIVIIVIOCK LANDS 



in lots from 



1 TO 1,000 .A.(DJEIJSS. 

J. J. HARRIS & CO. 



.I.J. ll.MtKIS, Speaker of the State Asssembly. 

S. B. HARRIXGTOX, for .six year.s Deputy Assessor. 

(JEO. E. SAWYER. County Commissioner .lutl Director of the State 
Fruit Glowers' .\.«i.sociation. 



A General Description 

JV7 



■OF 



Orange County, Florida, 



— ITS — 



Soil, Climate, Health, Productions, Resources, 



— AND — 



Facilities of Transportation. 



:JBy 2:. ^3:. 2^d:..^S03^, 2:./C. TD., of ..^popl^a,. 



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'.'»■' ' . ■ t/ ■{ 

rUHLTSHEI) I5V THE ".7' ' . a ji" 

Orange County Immigration SociGty. 

Dr. Z. H. Mason, President, Rev. W. G. F. Wallace, Vice Pres't, 
R. G. Robinson, Secretary. 

APOPKA, FLA. 



ORLANDO. FLA.: 

P K I N T E D BY M A H L () N GORE, 

ORAKfiF. COUNTV KEPdKTER. 



INTRODUCTION, 



The cominii.tee appointed by the Orange County Ttninigration Soci- 
ety to prepare for publication a panipiilet descriptive of Orange County, 
vesuectfuily submit the following pages from the pen of Dr. Z. H. Mason. 
i)olieving that they will prove trustworthy and reliable as a source of in- 
formation concerning the Soil. Climate, Products, Resources and Ad- 
vantages of the County. 

The committee beg leave to take this opportunity of expressing the 
obligation they are under to Dr. Mason, who, at their request, assumed 
.«olely the labor and responsibility of authorship. 

Dr. Mason has been well known for many years as an able and con- 
servative writer on Florida, and brings to his aid more than twenty 
years of residence and experience in semi-tropical fruit culture and farm- 
ing, and is thus able to speak advisedly of the resources, and of what 
can be proHtably grown in this section of the State. To use his own 
words, he has in the following pages '"contined himself to a plain state- 
ment of farfs without embellishment, believing that inquirers want truth 
\H)l fiction.'' 

The article "Orange County as a Home for Invalids," is worthy the 
careful colisideration of those whose health require that they should 
seek a climate with mild winters and pleasant sunimers. 

Jnformation not contained in this pamphlet, can be had by address- 
ing the Secretary or either of the officers of the Society. 

All letters cotitdmhig return postage will be promptly answered. Tt 
is requested that inquirers write their questions on sheets separate from 
tlioir letters and leave npuee v.nfler each (juestion for the ansicer. 

W. Ct. F. WALLACE. 
E. O. ROBL\S()N, 

Con)mittee of Publication. 






ORANGE COUNTY 



Topographical Desci'lptloa and Soiis. 

Orange (Jounty is in that portion of the State designated as South 
Florida, and is situated on the Peninsula, which averages in width about 
ninety miles, is midway between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic 
ocean, and extends froui Lake George on the north to liake Winder on 
the south, occupying more than a degree of latitude. On the east the 
boundary is the St, Johns river for a distance of one hundred miles. 
The western line passes through the great Lake Ahapouka. and the 
famed Oclawaha river is a portion of the line between Sumter County. 
and on the south arc Brevard and Polk Counties. 

Many of the principal streams on the Peninsula have their source 
in the County and empty into the Atlantic, (lulf and Lake Okeechobee. 
The elevation of the lands makes this County the water-shed of this por- 
tion of the State. The general contour of the country is rolling, tins 
being more especially the case in the interior. 

On the St. Johns are large bodies of land termed Savannas, are 
alluvial, and subject to overflow diu-ing high waters. They furnish fine 
grazing for cattle. There are also many Prairies of various sizes which 
are only useful for pasturage. Swamp lands are on the borders of 
streams. The country is dotted with lakes f'.-om an acre in extent to 
those covering thousands of acres. Among the latter is Ahapopka, said 
to be the second in size in the State. These lakes are stocked with a 
variety of fish, and that great delicacy, the soft shell turtle. On the 
borders of many of the lakes and prairies are bodies of rich hammock 
lands, timbered with live oak. water oak. cherry, hickory, magnolia, red 
bay, (called Florida mahopany) cabbage-palm and a variety of vines untl 
shrubs. In complete contrast are the scrub lands, covered with a sparse 
vegetation consisting mainly of scrub oaks and pines, tietie and gall ber- 
ries, with a soil utterly worthless. The flat-woods are timbered with 
pines, have an under strata of hard pan. and during the rainy season 
are often covered with water. There is but little of this kind of laud fit 
for cultivation or fruit raising. 

The larger proportion of the lands in the county are high and rolling 
with a natural drainage and are timbered with pine, seveial varieties of 
oak, persimmon, and often wild cherry. In many parts of the county 
these lands have a clay subr-ofl. A large proportion of our orange 



OEANOE COUXTY, FLORIDA. 



L' roves are upon these lauds, and the successful result of their culture 
shows the adaptatioi) of such soils to the production of citrus fruits, 
i'ine lands will produce fair crops of corn, cotton, oats and sweet pota- 
toes when given what would be considered at the north a very light 
(h-essing of nianiue. But few have tested their productive capacity by 
the aid of large quantities of vegetable or animal manures. W here the 
experiment has been made thp result has proved that it will pay. Tt 
has been truthfully said in regard to our soils. "That were oiie-half or 
one-quarter the expense in i'ertilizers put upon them that is yearly put 
in the lands north and in New f^ngland, they would excel anything 
known in the agricultural line." The stately pines commingled with a 
\arief,Y of oaks and unclergrowth (where the fires are kept oflT) attest 
theii' fertility. They dift'er from the pine lands of Michigan and other 
sections, which are entirely worthless when the timber has been taken 
off. Our semi-tropical climate has much to do in developing the latent 
ioitility of this kind of soil when brought into cultivation. Most of our 
haumiock lands are naturally fertile, producing large crojjs of corn, 
sugar cane and cotton for a long series of years without manures. From 
tiie foregoing brief description it will be seen that in Orange County 
can be found almost every conceivable variety of soil, adapted to the 
growth of nearly every crop that may be desired. 

Timber, 

The larger portion of the lands are timbered with yellow and pitch 
jiiiie. with blackjack, turkey oak. post oak and per.>^immon. The ham- 
mock land growth is hard wood, consisting of live oak, water oak. mag- 
nolia, cherry, white bay, red bay hickory, gum and cabbage palm. In 
the swanq.is are found cypress of large size, cedar, wahoo or linden, 
jnaple, ash and oaks. The cypress is especially valuable for shingles, 
l>arrcls. tubs, buckets, etc. ; and as railroads are extended into the in- 
terior our hickory, cherry and red bay will find a good market. Even 
now pine timber is being carried from the interior by railroad to San- 
ford. 

Field Crops, 

Corn is one of our most important grain products, both for bread 
and liorse feed. AVhen planted upon hammock land the yield is ironi 
twenty-five to fifty bushels per acre ; upon pine land tiie average is 
about ten bushels. This may be considered a small crop by a western 
farmer, but it must be remembered that the friable character of our 
soil enables us to cultivate three acres with less labor than one in those 
sections where the soil is stiff. This crop is ready to be housed by the 
1st of August, giving the Florida farmer a long season in which to at- 
tend to other crops. Upland rice is successfully cultivated ; an acre 
patch yielding enough to amply supply a large family with this almost 
indispensable article of food. Sweet potatoes are largely planted by 
every farmer. Two ])lantings are made, one in May and June and 
the second in August (termed standovers). they being ready to dig 
the following March and April. Sugar cane is a crop that pays v.ell 
for the labor expended. It can only be raised upon land naturally 



ORANGE COUNTY, FLORIDA. 



rich or that which has been heavily niamired. as it is an exhausting 
crop. The first years crop is called plant cane, which continues to 
send up shoots for four or five successive years, and is termed rattoou 
cane, so tiiat upon rich soil one planting is sufficient for that length of 
time. The average yield per acre is from 350 to 400 gallons of syrup 
or 2,000 pounds of sugar, for which there is generally a home demand 
i'.t good prices. Sea island cotton is planted more or less by every 
farmer, as it will purchase his supplies or bring cash. The usual yield 
on pine land is 400 pounds seed cotton, and upon hammock about 800 
pounds. Ked rust-proof oats are sowed in the fall and generally turn 
out well. Other kind of oats are liable to be destroyed by rust. This 
also prevents the raising of wheat. Irish potatoes are planted in De- 
cend)er and January for northern markets. Watermelons are raised in 
large quantities for sliipment. They l^ave a reputation for size and 
luciousness. The first crop ripens about the middle of May, some years 
earlier. Tobacco, where it has been tried, has proved a success. By 
using fresh seed every two years a good article of Cuba has been pro- 
duced. A plant crop, and often two sucker crops, are obtained. Cas- 
sava and arrow root yield heavily. There is a factory at Wilcox, where 
a fine article of farina is prepared from these roots. The cultivation of 
these starch producing plants should be entered into largely by our peo- 
ple. We have the assurance that wl;eie they are raised in sufficient 
(piaatities, factories will be established at convenient points. 

Vcffeiahles. 

The growing of vegetables for market is being largely entered into 
by many of om- citizens, and the result is so encouraging that many 
others express their intention to plant largely this fall and winter. The 
principal vegetables cultivated for early shipment are snap beans, peas, 
cucumbers, tomatoes. Irish potatoes, cauliflower and cabbage ; of the 
latter, as much as ^GOO has been received for the product of an acre. 
Bermuda onions are a good crop, do well here, and sell north \\\ April 
and ]May at %\) per barrel. All the usual vt>getables raised at the north 
are grown here. One party exhibited at the County Fair last February 
thirty-six varieties of his own raising near Apopka. A correspondent of 
the "Savannah News" writes in regard to the exhibit at the State Fair. 
held at Jacksonville last January: "As fine vegetables as ever were 
displayed at a fair can now be seen on exhibition at the fair grounds. 
Oranges as fine as ever were seen, are numerous, and many of them 
plucked from the trees during the past week. The cold did not seem to 
effect thein in the least. The majority of these " unfVosted" oranges, as 
they are called, come from Orange, Volusia and Putnam Counties. 
The largest turnips (rutai)aga) that have ever been exhibited at a State 
Fan- are to be seen here to-day. Orange County is ahead of all other 
counties in the vegetable line, and is the best advertisement that could 
be had of the climate and soil. The cauhfiower is equal to any seen in 
Fulton Market. New York ; one barrel of it brought in Philadelphia- last 
week ten dollars. An Orange County gentleman informed me to-day 
that he sold seven hundred and fifty dollars worth of this food vegetable 
last year. Magnificent specimens of ripe tomatoes, lettuce (very large 
heads), potatoes, turnips, Sec, from Orange County are exhibited." We 



a OKANGE COUNTY. FLORIDA. 

can put vegetables into market throe weeks to a month earlier than 
States north of iis. ensuring high prices for early products, and for that 
length of time a control of the markets. 

There is one requirement necessary to make gardening n success, 
and this is common to all countries — a rich soil, if not naturally such, 
njust be made so. Orange County affords in the operations of the gar- 
den a never ending round of profitable work ; in each month sometiiing 
is required to be done — something appropriate to the season. Th.ere is 
i-.ot a single week in the whole year in v.hich something jjalatable anfl 
wholesome may not be gathered for the table, and if the family does 
)K)t po.ssess these comforts the fault nuist be in the negligence or want 
of skill in the cultivator, and not in the climate or soil. 

Fruits. 

The cultivation of citrus fruits is rapidly extending over the county : 
even now a large portion of our citizens are engaged in this busil.es^. 
Every year the area in acres increases, and this aevelopment will con- 
tinue until all available lands are covered with fruit farms. I'ast 
experience demon.stratcs th.at a considerable portion of our lands are 
adapted to the orange, lemon, lime, tangerine, and other varieties of 
this class of fruits. The climate being so mild and uniiorm gives tlu- 
fruit full time to thoroughly ripen, and makes this industry one that can 
be depended on. All kinds of land are not suitable for orange growing ; 
the following should be avoided, as swamp, scrub, and flat pine lands 
with a hard pan subsoil. The fruit succeed.s upon both hammock and 
])ine land. A large pi'oportion of the groves are necessarily planted 
upon the latter, as it largely preponderates in the county. The advan- 
tage of hannnock is that the land is naturally rich, though it is expensive 
to clear, while the pine lands will require manures but can be cheaply 
prepared for planting. Lands set out in oranges pay a heavier per- 
<entum on the investment than anything that can be put upon then), 
l^'ive year old trees budded come into bearing in fr(*m one to two years, 
and lapidly increase in fruit production. Sixteen year old trees, projv 
erly cultivated and manured, should averge 800 oranges ; many trees 
exceed this, and some old isolated trees have produced 10.000; sucli 
cases are excej)tional. and cannot be used as a basis for computing the 
profits of a grove. 

The ap])le is not suited in this latitude. The tree becomes an ever- 
green, bloonis neaily all the year, becomes dwarfed, and the fruit is 
small and worthless. A few trees of an early variety are said to have 
matured fair fruit. Pineapples do well in some portions of the county ; 
they require a slight protection in the winter. They come into bearing 
in about eighteen months from tiie shoot or slip. The ]ie Conte pear 
is being tried, but it is too soon to determine whether it will prove a 
success in this climate. The Japan j)lum and Japan persimmon are 
both raised here, and are of fine flavor. The first is a decided success ; 
the second will require further time to decide upon its adaptability. 
^Phc plum grows wild, and some of the varieties are scarcely inf(,'rior to 
many of the cultivated sorts. There is no doubt but that the better 
varieties can be budded upon the wild stock. Peaches do well, cspeciall\ 
where there is a clay subsoil near the surface. The crops, however, are 



OliaNGK COUNTY, FJvORIDA. 



liiiht ; the mild winters cause them to bloom through the season. 
Varieties of China peaches are being tried with satisfactory results. 
Figs of various kinds grow luxuriantly with but little care, and are 
readily propagated from cuttings, which bear the second year. The 
ripe fruit is rich and luscious, and should be found in its season upon 
every table, being wholesome and nutritious. Every house has its 
binana patch, furnishing that well known fruit, and is propagated from 
the shoots which spring up around the mother plant. The broad, long 
leaves, shovi'ing a semi-tropical growth, impart an air of coolness and 
comfort to the house, as well as being highly ornamental. Onavas are 
tender, yet in this section seldom fail to yield p supply of fruit that not 
only furnishes the fanied guava jelly, but many a rich disii for the table. 

Among the small fruits the strawberry stands preeminent. It is 
easily cultivated and bears abundant crops. It requires a moist and 
fertile soil, and begins to ripen fruit in December, and if freely watered 
continues in bearing for six months. Wilsoii's Albany is considered the 
best and surest bearer in this .section. It pays well to send the early 
crop to a northern market. Blackberries grow on the banks of streams, 
bay-heads, and in low hammocks. The running variety, or dewberry, 
grows in old fields. Haspberries, currants and gooseberries have thus 
far jiroved a failnre : the two latter mildew and rot. Blueberries, 
huckioberries and bearberries grow on the fiat lands. A large variet\ 
of wild grapes grow luxuriantly in the w^oods. But little attention has 
been given to any kind but the Scuppernong. which is cultivated more 
extensively than any other variety. One vine on good soil will cover an 
arbor extending over an acre. The vine does not require pruning, is 
free from tlie attack of insects, and the fruit makes a good wine. 

Foraf/f Plants, 

Tiiere are iiiany kinds of wild grass growing in the hammocks, 
prairies and flat woods that sustain lierds of cattle, but all the efforts 
thus far made to grow the cultivated grasses of the North and West 
have failed ; they seem to do well planted in the lall, but are killed out 
by the hot sun in May, A few years ago C. Codrington, Esq., editor of 
the Florida Agriculturist, introduced from the Island of Jamaica the 
Guinea grass so highly prized there. It furnishes a large amount of 
forage, grows in large bunches, can be cut for hay or for soiling : it is a 
great acquisition. Para grass is found to be well suited for planting 
upon low. moist land, makes a good pasturage, and is highly relished by 
all kinds of stock. All varieties of millet do well, especially the cat- 
tail, which can be cut for feeding green every ten days. Some'parties 
are giving the Bermuda grass a trial as pastu"'age ; it does not grow 
high enough to cut for hay. Piice straw is highly prized as forage, being 
far preferable to that of oats or rye. 'J'he cow pea vines also make a 
hay that is highly prized, horses and mules being fond of it. 'Where 
tiie land is free from sand and grass spurs, crab-grass, which grows 
luxuriantly upon cultivated lands, makes a hay equal to timothy. Bust 
proof oats, planted in October and November, almost invariably do well. 



ORANGE COUN'TY, FLORIDA. 



3Ianui'es. 

Our cattle are not kept up. but are tui-ued out on the natural ranj^e. 
where they live both winter and sunnuer, and will not eat dry ^in>x\ iniiess 
taught to do so when they are calves ; therefore all the animal manure 
we save is from horses and nuiles. The only way in which w(! utilize 
our cattle for manuring is in the sprinsf when they are gathered for the 
purpose of marking the calves ; we pen them at night upon such land 
as we wish to enrich. A few weeks of such treading fits the land for 
the j)rocluction of vegetables or sugar cane. Nature has provided us 
with an unfailing source from which to draw our supplies of a material 
which experience has proved to be the very best that we can apply to 
our lands when properly composted. This is found in muck, which is 
abundant in swamps, bay-heads, borders of lakes and praries. Experi- 
ments made with fertilizers upon pine lantl indicate that swamp muck is 
one of the best manures for sugar cane. When composted with lime 
or potash it becomes an efficient manure fttr almost any crop. 8ome 
compost their stable manure with muck, pine straw, cones or wire grass 
and weeds. Lime stone, sufficiently pure lor agricultural purposes, is 
found at Rock spring, one of the heads of the W'ekiva river, and there 
is a deposit on the ^Vekiva, one mile frou) (^lay spring. These can be 
burned into a fair lime. Oyster shell lime is laid down at Sanford at a 
cost of ten dollars per ton in barrels. Special manures can be pur- 
chased at the agencies in this county at manufacturers' prices with 
freight added. An efficient and cheap nsethod of manuring is to plant 
the land with cow peas (which have been well called southern clover) at 
the rate of one and a half bushels per acre, and turn under the vines. 

Hii ildhtg Male rial. 

The mild winters of this section, where the thermometer selnom 
gets down to thirty-two degrees, precludes the necessity of building 
tig'jt, expensive houses, such as are necessary, not only for comfort, but 
for safety in cold climates. Our residences are constructed of pine 
lumber, and of such forms as are calculated to make them comfortable 
during the long summers. A heavy item of expense is saved in this 
country : we do not dig cellars, as they are not needed. Lumber is 
sold at the numerous mills at from $8 to $20 per 1,000 feet, according 
to quality. For planed lumber the price is greater. Clay for making 
brick is found in many places in the county, and prices are reasonable. 
'J'here is in the center of the county a sand stone that will stand fire and 
makes excellent hearths and cliimney jambs. At present all the saw 
mills are behind with their orders at least six weeks. The rapid immi- 
gration now going on requires additional mills to supply the increasing 
demand for lumber. 

(-Jood free stone water is obtained from wells which vary in depth 
I'rom eighteen to fifty feet. The water is not what would be called cold 
at the north, but a person soon becomes accustomed to it. There are 
nwmcrcus springs, especially about bay-heads and on the borders of 



ORANGE COUXTY, FLORIDA. 



hanui'.ocks ; some are free stone, others sulphur, while others again are 
chalybeate, and these different springs ifre often within a few feet of 
each other. VAay spring, one of the heads of the Wekiva, affords a 
siiflicient quantity of water for steamboats to come into the spring. 
The water is white sulphur, and has proved beneficial in rheumatism and 
sKin diseases. The same kind of water is found at Rock spring, which 
bursts out of a cleft in the rocks at the base of a cliff" some twenty feet 
high. 

Lfdtds, 

A large proportion of the best lands belonging to the government 
.subject to homesteading or entry have been taken ; there are, however, 
many homestead claims whei'e parties have not complied with the law. 
that can be contested. The state lands, except an occasional isolatei! 
fraction, have been purchased. 'J'heiefore most of the desirable lands 
are in second hands. Improved and partially improved places can be 
purchased, the price depending upon the amount of improvement, fertil- 
ity of soil, and nearness to transportation. Prices are rapidly enhancing 
as railioads are extended. It therefore behooves those who v\'ish to set- 
tle in this county to come and iwake their selections soon. 

Fi'Uiilhj SiippJieH and FiU'iiifiwe, 

Provisions, groceries and all family suppli'es can be purchased at 
reasonable prices, being a slight advance upon first cost, with freight 
expenses added. 31any of the stores are doing a heavy business and 
are located in nearly every settlement. Good family flour can be pur- 
chased at from $8 to $*J per barrel. Dry salted bacon 12 cents per 
pound. Butter three pounds for $1. (.'offee four to five pounds for |1. 
(jood sugar thirteen lo fifteen pounds for $1. Florida syrup 60 to 7o 
cent.s per gallon. Dry goods, shoes, &c., at low prices. These are 
average prices in July, 1881. The intending immigrant need not bring 
lieavy furniture, stoves. &zc., as they can be purchased here. It may 
be well to bring bed clothes and wearing ai)parel, but feather beds may 
be left behind. All heavy and bulky articles had better be sold, as 
freights upon .such articles are heavy. 

Man afactui'es. 

There are several establishments in the county that are manufactur- 
ing buggies, wagons, buck board.s, cart.s, &c. Their work is substantial 
and suited to the character of our road.s. There are two tin shops, one 
at Sanford and the other at Orlando, also harness and shoemakers. 

Openhiffs for Hasuiess, 

There are openings for several steam saw mills, as the demand for 
lumber is greater than the mills can supply, and the rapid immigration 
which is now going on through the year, and the large number that will 
come in during the fall and winter, will rapidly increase the demand. 
The large nun.ber of boxes used for oranges and vegetables will war- 
rant the putting up of a mill for the jjurpose of supplying the rapidly in- 



TO OKAXGK OOUXTY, FLOKfDA. 



crcasino- (lej»!ind. The material preferred for these boxes is pine, and 
liijiber l!>ai would not answer for buildiui)- Itiniber could be used. There 
is needed a fnniHure factory with necessary machinery to make up our 
native wonds and fnrnish otoads here at reasonable prices, saving freight 
chavoes. Factories are needed to make up the cypress into barrels, tubs 
and buckets ; also shingle machines ; more starch mills to encourage 
the cultivation c^f ca'isava and arrow root, by creating a demand for the 
roots. Hides arxd deer skins are abundant, but no tanner to make them 
into leather and buck skins. There is a deposit of blue clay, suitable 
for the manufactMie of pottery. A large quantity of jugs, jars, pans, 
(tc, coidd be soid at fair prices. All these industries will pay. Water 
power is scasx;e, but fuel for steam engines is cheap and abundant. 
There are openings in various sections for good hotels, not only to en- 
tertain the large number of ))ers()ns who are examining the country 
with a view of making it their home, but to acconiniodate the iuvalic! 
and pleasure seeker. 

The climate of Orange County is a peculiar ;>ne, differing I'rom 
countries north af us ; mild in winter and not excessively hot in .s.ummer. 
Those who have not passed through these seasons here and tested the 
matter for themselves are apt to receive such a .statement with doubt. 
Facts, however, provQ contrary to what luight be. exptcted, that tho 
summer vvealiher is much more agreeable, and tlie beat less oppres- 
sive, than the same s,easo>n in the north or \ve.st„ find the nights are 
alntost invariably cool enough to render some bed covering necessary 
before morning, euabling the sleeper to obtain refreshing i-est, anci 
even during the hottest days it is pleasant in the shade. The ther- 
mometer seldom gets higher than ninety-three degrees in the shade, 
and generally averages, during the summer eighty-two to eighty-five 
degrees. 

Those who have lived here for many years prefer the smnmers 
on account of the general uniformity of temperature, and the deliglit- 
ful sea breezes, which keep the atmosphere cool and pleasant. Tlie 
weather does PiOt debilitate, neither do people lose their energy ; 
the rapid development taking place in this section is an attestation 
of the fact. 

"The wiiitev in Florida resembles very much that season which iu 
the Middle States i& termed ^'Indian Summer."' except that in Flori- 
da the sky is perfectly clear and the atmosphere more dry and elas- 
tic. Eain but rarely falls during the winter months— three, fo'ar and 
not unfrequently five weeks of bright, clear and cloudless days occur 
continuously. This is one of the greatest charms of our winter cli- 
mate, and forms a striking coutrast with almost every other State in 
the TTnion," Mrs. Stovve writes. '•The month of March has passed. 
Letters from our northern friends speak of its chillisig blasts, its cutting 
winds, its long snow storms. Here in Florida it opened upon us in 
the perfume of orange blossoms, and we look on it now with the 
general remembrance of a long procession of sunny days, of blue 
skies and vivid green of blooming trees ; of lettuce, radishes, and 
green peas In the garden ; of ruses and honeysuckles among tk^ 



OKAXOE C OUXTY, FLOPvIDA. 11 



flower borders. Tt is true every day has not been eqiially bri<,'ht and 
baltiiv. Changes of temperature here corres])ond to the severer ones 
of the North." Where tliey record a three days" snow storm, we re- 
member a three days' rain storm, in which it has been about as chilly 
here as it usually is in a June rain storm at home."' 

The summer season is also peculiar. Showers are frequent, and 
in June and July commences what i.s termed the rainy season, which 
continues into September. There is rain nearly every day. but it sel- 
dom rains all day. The rain comes in heavy showers accompanied 
by thunder a'.id iij^htning, and seldom lasts more than three hours. 
They p;enerally occur'in the afternoon and leave the remainder of the 
day with a bright sk-y and cool atmosphere. The soil being of a 
porous and absorbant character, the ground half an hour after a rain 
is dry and pleasant to walk upon. 

0()iuions are often formed of a country by comparison, sometimes 
resulting in a correct idea in other cases an erroneous one. Such is 
the case in regard to Floiida. 'J'hus when the line of latitude embraced 
by Orange (!ounty is traced across the Atlantic ocean, it takes in nortii- 
ern Africa and a portion of the great Desert of Sahara. Those who 
know anything of I'lorida are satisfied that no heated blasts such as pass 
over that land of desolation are known here. There are several reasons 
why there should be a difference : We are on a long narrow peninsula. 
passing through a number of degrees of latitude, having tlie Atlantic on 
die east and the Gulf of Mexico on the west, insuring a constant succes- 
sion of sea breezes. Another reason is that a current of cold water 
fnnu ihe north passes down our coast on the cast between the land and 
the gulf stream, which does much to moderate the temperature. Loca- 
ted as we are upon the very borders of the torrid zone, we are relieved 
on tlie one hand from the rigors of a northern winter, and on the other 
fron) the extreme heat which is experienced in many of the southern as 
well as iu)rthern states during the summer. 

The cold wave of December 30. 1880, passed over this eounty. 
The thermometer for a short time stood at twenty-eight degrees, but in 
a few hours rose above the freezing point ; a thin skim of ice was 
formed, lint little injury was done to vegetation. Tomatoes were 
killed ; bananas and guavas were considerably injured, but have recov- 
ered, and pine apples, where entirely unprotected, were hurt some. The 
orange, len)on and lime were not effected, even the tender extremities 
of the limbs were not hurt, and the fruit upon the trees was not iVozen 
or injiued. In many places sweet potato vines, which are very tender, 
did not show the least effect of frost. Portions of the county tiiat have 
large water protection on the northwest entirely escaped the effects of the 
cold. Another peculiarity of our climate is that when a cold spell does 
occur, it lasts but a sliort time. 

The above lengthy discription of climate is necessary to properly 
understand why semi-tropical fruits and plants flourish in this section, 
and make their culture a success. 

Hcfdtli, 

A very important question asked by those who are thinking of emi- 
grating to Florida, and vrhich demands a candid answer is, is yoiu* section 



12 OiR.\NGE COUXTY. FLOlllDA. 

healthv'::* The followitig facts nxist speak louder than any affirinatiou 
ua our put. Tii.^'e are no acdiiuatiiig fevers or diseases. There are 
MO ej:>ideniic diseases as clij^htheria, ty[)hoid or typhus fevers. Yellow 
fever is confined almost exclusively to seaport towns, and only occasion- 
ally visits tl>eni. 'PJiere has never l)een a case in our county, and there 
is no reason to heJieve there ever w\\\ be. Souie iK>rtions of tiie county 
are low and swampy, with a rttnk and luxuriant vegetation, and svliere 
this is the case, the same tyT)es of dise.ise will be found as elsewiiere 
characterize such rejiions. Here such diseases are generally of a niilcler 
type than in other States, and yield n>ore readily to proper treatment, 
A cogent reason has been assigned to account fur this fact. The luxu- 
riant vegetati'vn which springs up in summer in other states pa.sses 
through the putrifactive fermentation, this generates miasnta ; while in 
Florida (except during a portion of the rainy season"^ this decaying veg- 
etable matter dries up before reaching the putrif.ictive state, and as a 
consequence the amount of j^ialaria generatt;d is n>uch less than in cli- 
• mates more favombje to decomposition. The constant sea breezes tend 
to keep the atmospliere pure and carry off all noxious vapors. 

Pernicious fevers and those diseases peculiar to semi tro])ical cli- 
mates are rare occurrences ; our malai'ial diseases assume the form of 
mild intcrmittants. 

There are a lai^e nnmber of phy.sicians in the cotmty who havc- 
moved here to regain their health. Among tliem all there are oidy 
spven or eiijht who follow their profession for a livelihood. The United 
States census of 1870 gives the death rate for the iState at large as 1.0;> 
per cent., and this includes those cases of consumptives who came here 
too late to derive benefit from t!ie climate. For further facts the reader 
is referred to the censijs of 1880. 

Select ing a JiesUlenee. 

Tn selecting a place for a residence, it is well to jsvoid the neighbor- 
hood of swamps, banunocks, dark water lakes and sluggish streams- 
Experience has proved that a residence only a mile, and in some in- 
stances a less distance from unhealthy places, especially if a body of 
timber intervenes, renders the location healthy. The liigh pine lands 
are noted for health. It is safe to niove here during any portion of the 
year, either winter or smnmer. A majority of people, however, prefer 
to come in October or even later. 

Ovange Count }j as a Motne for IiicaUds. 

In the cnre of diseases, b>oth pulmonary and bronchial, physicians, 
unite in the opinion that patients should reside durinir the winter months 
in a dry climate of uniform temperatwre, where they can take daily 
exercise in the open air and enjoy the benefit of sunshine ; ajid that 
nothing can be more detrimental! than confinement in an artificially 
heated atmosphere. Another prerequisite insisted upon by many writers 
upon these diseases, is that the residence .should be in a section free 
from germs and gaseous prtxlucts of decomposition. That the test of 
atmo.spheric purity is the presence of large quantities of ozona. Obser- 
vations made by the United States Signal Service^ at .Denver, Colorado, 



ORAXGE COUNTY, FLORIDA. 18 



show that the mean monthly amount for six months is but 3,8, while for 
the same months and same length of time the observations made at 
Jacksonville. Flovida. at the Signal Service office, indicate 6.2, nearly 
twice as much as Colorado. Another requisition is that the air should 
i)e dr>/. A series of obst^rvations coiitiniied for five years show that 
Florida possesses a less mean relative humidity than the State of Min- 
nesota. These facts indicate that we have a dry and pure atmosphere 
Avith a mild winter climate, conjoined with opportunities of fishing and 
hunting as recreations, making ihis section pre-eminently attractive as a 
ilionie for the invalid. 1U\ Leute, writing upon our cliujate, says: "In 
Florida the sun shines so brightly, the air is so balmy, the song of the 
birds so enlivening, and the orange trees in their bloom or ladeued with 
their golden fruit, lend such a charm to the oiitlook from the windows, 
that the most indolent or the most cokl-blooded invalid feel little inclined 
to stay indoors. 

An eminent noilhern physician writing in regard to the fitness of 
Florida, more particularly as a place of resort for invalids, and especially 
for consiamptives, says: " She is our so«thern Italy, but more favored 
by geographic:d position than Italy, since she lies almost in the very 
fountain of that gulf stream whose waters are freighted with a genial 
atmosphere; and also because her winter climate is comparatively free 
from depressing hnmidity, which debilitates tlie healthy and exhausts 
l4ie invalid both in Italy and Cuba. This is a point of sueli vital im- 
portance that you must bear with me whiile I insist upon it. To find a 
climate which shall at once be njild and dry, is the first requisite for all 
who are suffering under chronic rheumatism aisd pialnvonary affections. 
i)\\ this point there can be no disagreensent among physicians unless it 
be on the exact degree of temperature; and those who have personally 
tried both, the cold, and the dry warm climate, will very generally yield 
to the gre&.ter attractions which keep one out of doors in the warm cli- 
mate. The theory of the cokl dry air may be right for those who can 
resist the cold, biat the practice, nisie tinies out of ten, is wrong. Let it 
be understood, once for all, Ihat if the consumptive is to live at all. he 
anust be in the open air. Does the peninsula of Florida offer this desir- 
able climate? I lunhesitatiugly say yes. One comes here in niid-u inter 
from the north, where he liad been imprisoned by the ])ittiless cold, and 
straightway begins to breathe and live again. Fou will pardon some- 
thing to the sunny influences tlvat fill him witb enthusiasm. Besides I 
find here hundreds of hopeful health -seekers full of joy at their libera- 
lion, and many who came years ago as a last resort and who now give 
■every evidence of restored health.'" 

Unfoilunately many p^dt off the journey to our land of sunshine and 
lowers until the fell destroyer has takew such a hold upon them that 
they imist die. Ifetter far swch to reisiain at home and pass their last 
hours among friends. It is sad to see one die among strangers un- 
cheered by the presence of loved ones. 

There ai-e matiy in this coimty who are thankful that they were in- 
duced to come to Floridn in time to be benefited, and have remained 
bere. The writer is anjong this number, and can attest, by renewed 
•health, that the climate possesses a healing and recuperative influence. 
''J'he coiJDtij oifers a refuo.e to those suff'ering from pulmonary and bron- 



14 fJ>IlANGE COUXTY. FLORIDA. 



chial diseases : to those afflicted with asthma, catarrh and rheiiniatisni. 
To derive benefit from the climate the visit should not be delayed ; 
come while you are yet able to take exercise by walking in the open air ; 
come, if possible, when the first symptoms of disease manifest them- 
selves ; come while there is hope of regaining such a degree of health 
as will enable you to pass the remainder of your days in comparative 
comfort. 

Facilities of Transpovtation. 

To make the gi'owing of semi-tropical fruits and early vegetables a 
success requires both rapid and reliable transportation facilities. The 
following statement of the facilities possessed by Orange County to get 
products to market, shows that they are equal, and perhaps superior, to 
any other county in South Florida : The great outlet of the county is 
the St. Johns river, flowing north and emptying into the Atlantic. This 
gives us access to the port of Jacksonville, with its sea-going steaniers 
and the various railroads which center at that city. iN'avigating this 
river are elegant side-wheel steamers, the nun)ber of which is being- 
added to eacii year, to accomn)odate the increasing travel and traffic. 
There has been during the past season over twenty arrivals of steam- 
boats weekly at Sanford on Lake IMonroe. 

The Wekiva river, taking its rise near the center of the county, is 
navigable for a distance of twenty-five miles, and enters the St. Johns 
north of Lake Monroe. A large portion of the traffic of this section of 
the county passes over this river. The shipping point is Clay Spring, 
distant from Apopka four miles. The semi-tropical scenery on this 
river is very fine. 

The Ocklawaha river on the west has its source in Lake Ahapopka. 
passes through a chain of large lakes, and enters the vSt. Johns opposite 
VValaka, and gives a water transportation for that portion of the county. 
A number of steamboats run on this river from Jacksonville and Palatka. 

A company with ample means are now engaged with dredging ma- 
chines in deepening the channel of the Ocklawaha where it passes out 
of Ahapopka into Lake Dora, and when completed will give transporta- 
tion facilities by this route to those living on and near the great 
lake, besides draining many thousand acres of very rich land. 

liailroads. 

There are two railroads now in operation in the county. One. 
the St. Johns and Lake Eustis railroad, starts from Astor on the St. 
Johns, just south of Lake George, and passes in a southwesterly di- 
rection to Fort ]Mason, on Lake Eustis. This road furnishes more 
rapid transit than the steamers on the Ocklawaha, and is a good 
route by which to reach the interior of the county. The amer.ded 
charter authorizes the company to extend their road by way of 
Apopka to Orlando, the county seat, and will pass through a thickly 
settled portion which is rapidly developing. 

Another road is in operation from Sanford, on Lake Monroe, to 
Orlando, and opens up the central part of the county. This com- 
pany proposes to commence, in a short time, the construction of a 



ORANGE COUNTY, FLORIDA. 15 

road from Long-vvood (a depot on their road) to Apopka, and make it 
the main line to Charlotte harbor, on the Gulf. The citizens along 
the .route of the pi"oposed branch have contributed toward its con- 
struction the sum of thirty-eight thousand seven hundred dollars. 
'Tkis road will give tnmsportlon facilities to South Apopka, where 
are some of the richest lands in the comity, with superior water pro- 
tection on the northwest. This company is now extending the road 
from Oilando south to the Kissiinraee river, and aJso contemplate a 
branch to Titusville, on Indian river. 

JProjyosed Mailroads. 

There are quite a number of proposed railroads, which have already 
^obtained charters : one from Lake Jessiip to Orlando, partially com- 
pleted, has been sold to heavy capitalists having large landed interests 
in the connty. who propose to extend it by way of Apopka to Fort 
Mason, thence to Ocala and connect with the roads xmiting there. 
Another from Sanford by way of Fort Reed to Lake ^essup will pass 
through the oldest settlements in the county, with large groves and good 
lands, and is to be built entirely with local capital, tt is estimated that 
one crop of oranges from the groves along the proposed line of road 
will build it. 

A road has been chartered to run from Clay Spring by way of 
Apopka to Lake Aliapopka. and will be a little over eight miles in length 
to the lake, upon which will he placed a steamboat, bringing this popu- 
lar section in direct comn'.unication with the St, Johns. There is an 
important line bein<>' surveyed from Sanford by way of Sorrento to Lake 
Eustis and Fort Mason. It is also the intention to construct a branch 
from Son-ento to Apopka. 

Thus it will be seen that there is no part of Orange Cotmty that will 
3iot be within ten or twelve miles of either navigable water or a railroad. 
Taking this in connection with its geographical position and chmate, 
Drange County becomes par ea:c(dljence the region for fruit growing and 
vegetable raising. 

Develojy in enU 

No one hut an old settler can have a just conception of the rapid 
changes that have taken place during the last twelve years, and more 
especially during the past six years. At that period the great extent of 
territory embraced in Orange County was an almost unbroken wilderness, 
mth the excepti(m erf a few houses at Fort Reed, and but one house at 
iMellonville, on Lake Monroe, used as a .store, tmd a small village at 
Orlando, the county seat; also some plantations on South Apopka. 
'The remainder was a primeval forest, with an occasional clearing, the 
residence of cattle fiien ; the principal bissin^ess was cattle raising. 
Xearly all ^Ise was a vast solitude, the home of deer, panther and bear. 
One steamboat airival weekly at Mellonville was sufficient for both 
piussenger and traffic business, not only for this comity, but for points 
south. There wer« but three post offices in the county, and neighbors 
Siving at a distance went by turns to the nearest office for mail. There 
WAS bat one j\La.sonic Lodge south o.f Palatka (except at Ke^ West), nuo' 



16 OKAA'GE COUNTY, FLORIDA. 

was located at what is known as Apopka. The population in 1867 was 
1,516 ; in 1880 about 7.000. This may suffice as a brief description of 
the past ; the present is a bright contrast. Now tlie cattle men's cabins 
have given way to the neat residences of the immigrants, surrounded, 
in almost every instance, with trees and plants of semi-tropic growth. 
Orange groves are seen in nearly every place adapted to their growth. 

Post offices have increased to thirty-seven, and these scarcely 
supply the demands of the numerous settlements ; and there are four 
money order offices, being a greater number than any other county in 
the State. Three telegraphic offices keep ns in communication witli 
other portion? of the country. Masonic Lodges have increased, there 
being one at Sanford. (h-lando. Apopka and Fort Mason, and over 
twenty weekly arrivals of steamboats at Sanford are scarcely able to 
supply sufficient transportation. 

There are four newspapers published in the county, one at each of 
the following places : Sanford. Orlando, Apopka and Lake Eustis ; they 
are well patronized. There are forty-five public schools, furnishing 
educational facilities for all the children. There are about the same 
number of churches, belonging to Presbyterian, Methodist, baptist. 
Episcopalian and Lutherens ; a number of the buildings are neat and 
commodious. Towns and villages have sprung up rapidly in various 
sections ; the most prominent are Sanford, on Lake Monroe, and Fort 
Reed, three miles distant, Maitland. Orlando and Apopka. in tlie 
interior, and Lake Eustis and Fort Mason on Lake Etistis. There are 
thriving settlements at Sorrento. Tangerine, Zellwood, South Apopka, 
Lake ('Onway. Altamonte and Lake Jessup, beside a number of otners. 

All this in connection with railroads and increase of population, is 
sufficient to indicate that the development of the past has been rapid, 
and the lookout for the future is very bi-ight. 

Why Settlers Shmild' Select Oranr/e County, 

The climate enables a person to work out of doors throughout the 
whole year, winter and summer alike, and the cool nights make sleep 
refreshing. Tight, expensive houses are not required, and heavy cloth- 
ing is not needed. The farm work, which at the north must necessarily 
be performed within the limits of about six months, may here be allowed 
the whole year. Thus the farmer is not hurried by the shortness of the 
season, and be constrained to overwork himself. Corn is made and 
ready to be housed by the first of Auguft. 

The time and expense required to obtain an abundant supply of 
fuel is saved, as but little more is required than is used for cooking 
purposes. During a large portion of the winter months doors and 
windows are left oi^en, unless the Aveather is exceptionally cold. 

Nearly every portion of the county is within easy reach of trans- 
portation, either by water or railroad, and these fiicilities are being 
rapidly extended. (See article. Facilities of Transportation.) 

The county being generally healthy, doctor's bills are saved. 

(-hurches of different denominations and public schools are found 
in every settlement. 

Though the weather in summer is warm, there is an exemption 



ORANGE COUNTY, FLORIDA. 



from surstroke, and dogs do not go mad ; there are no cases of 
hydrophobia. 

The people are moral and law-abiding, and cordially welcome a!!, 
irrespective of jjolitical faith, who come to make this their hoiue and 
grow up with the development. 

This sectioii is the great sanitarium, where the invalid may reason- 
ably expect to derive benefit from a mild and luiiforn) climate. 

The population is composed of people from all sections of the 
country and from Europe, members of different political parties and of 
different religious faith, who get along harmoniously. 

This is a vMte man's country ; there are but few negroes among us. 

All the products of the county find a ready sale at remunerative 
prices. Fruits and early vegetables find a market at the North and 
West. The great variety of fruits, vegetables and agricultural products 
that can be raised with profit, gives the settler an opportunity of select- 
ing the particular branch of culture that may suit his inclination, and 
make it a specialty. 

There is another important fact that should not be overlooked in 
selecting a houje : that Orange County is south of the lino of injurious 
frosts, which makes the raising of early vegetables a business that can 
be depended upon, as well as enabling the farmer to cultivate the more 
tender semi-tropical fruit. During the past winter in many places in 
the county, sv/eet potato vines, which are very tender, did not show tlie 
least effect of cold. 

Add end (f. 

There are many fruits and plants that have not been in cultiva- 
tion a sufficient length of time to determine whether they are fully 
adapted to this latitude, or sufficient attention has not been given to 
positively assert that they will prove valuable additions to the already 
large list of products, therefore they have not been mentioned in the 
body of the pamphlet, preferring to state what has been accomplished, 
and which may be repeated by others. 

But few who have not had their attention directed to the subject 
can realize the value of fibrous plants as farm crops, or the immense 
quantities required to supply the demand of manufacturers, a large pro- 
portion of which is imported, and that by raising them at home millions 
of dollars would be saved to the country. 

Sisal hemp will grow upon land worthless for any other purpose. 
A ton of cleaned hemp can be made to the acre, worth $300 per ton. 
In addition to this plant, there was introduced from Yucatan the pulqua 
and centuary plants, which are the main dependance of that country for 
material for cordage and rope, of which they export large quantities. 
They have become perfectly acclimated in Florida, 

Ramie fiber, which is so extensively used in dress goods, only awaits 
the invention of machinery to successfully clean it at small cost. Large 
quantities are now being raised in Louisiana, and there is no reason 
why its cultivation should not be remunerative in this State. East Lidia 
jute has proved from the experiments niade to be well adapted to our 
climate, and can be planted upon land too wet for other crops. The 



1>! OKAXGE COUNTY. FLORIDA. 

ivsult of the exnerin^ents made in this county show that from 3,000 to 
4.000 pounds of fiber can be made upon an acre. 

,S[) uii.sh codde burr or ceaser weed, now called Florida hemp, is 
found growing wild ; takes possession of fence corners and is hard to 
i^cl rid of. The fibre is .strong, intermediate between flax and hem}>. 
The attention of manufacturers has lately been directed to this plant, 
which must prove of great value, [t is easily rai.sed, and with cultiva- 
tion will grow to six or eiglit feet high. 

Scrub and saw pihnctlo. heretofore considered a pest and worth- 
li'ss. has now" a commercial value for the purpose of making paper pulp. 
The supply of the raw material is inexhau.stible, and can be supplied in 
any quantity. 

Gt'apex^ Frnits, Nuts. 

A large variety of grapes from the north and west have been tried, 
and .some of them have proved to be adapted to this .section ; such as 
tiie Delaware. Maderia. Hartford and Di ma. The Scuppernong is par- 
ticularly a southern grape ; adapts itself to almost every location, and is 
iVee from the attacks oi' insects ; produces an abundance of fruit, and 
makes a good wine. The Catawba ripens unequally, rots, and cannot 
be depended upon. I have had two crops ripen the .same season, and a 
third crop set. 

The Surinam cherry does well, and the papaw. tamarind, mango 
and camphor tree are doing well when planted in sheltered places on the 
south of large bodies of water. Pecans grow well upon any .soil that 
will produce hickory. A sufficient number of person^ have planted tea 
to demonstrate the fact that each family can rai.se sufficient tea for fam- 
ily use, and that it is of superior quality. 

The Olive has been extensively distributed by the Commi.ssioner of 
.\gricultrtre, and promi.ses to be a success. The tree fruits in nine 
years from the seed, and is ea.sily propagated from cuttings. The castor- 
od i)lant grows to the .size of a tree, often lives for years, and continues 
green during the winter. 

Each year new plants and fruits are being introduced, and such as 
|irove to be adapted to the country, add to the already large resources 
and material wealth. 

Maitl.\nd, Orange Co.. Fla., Aug. 16, 1881. 
Dij. Z. H. Masox. Apopka, Fla., 

Dear Sir: — Most gladly do I re.spond to your request for a state- 
ment of the beneficial eft'ects of the climate upon me. I came to 
Orange county about seven months ago from Chicago, where for several 
years I had suffered much from catarrh ; for years my headaches, la.st- 
ing for days in succession, were almost unendurable. Now. I have 
hardly a vestige of the disgnsting di.sease left with me ; have no head- 
ache worth mentioning, and consider myself cured. 

I am enthusiastic over the climate, and shall do all I can to let the 
thou.sands in the north who are affected as I was, know what a residence 
liere will do for them. Very truly yours, 

LORING A. CHASE, 



OEANGE COUNTY, FI.OKTDA. Ifi 

Hmv to Get Het'e. 

From New York. Philadelphia and IJaitiinore theix- are reyulai- 
>,leamer.s to Jacksonville, Kornandina and Savannah. 

Regidar steamer rates from New York or l^liiladelphia lo .laekson- 
ville are. including meals. First Class. $25; Emigrant, $lo. 

From all northern cities there are through routes by railroad to 
.Jacksonville and other points in Florida, with parlor and sleeping cars 
and fast freight lines. 

Present regular rates by railroad are about as iollows : 

First class. Srrond clnss. 

From Boston to Jai-ksonvillo 8^17 .iO S.jO d » 

•• Xew York to -' ol 00 -l'.] M 

" Philadelphia to '• 2'.) .lO -n oo 

Baltimore to '' -jS oft 2o .'.o 

Kiehniond to •' "ilJ ^-t -20 o.) 

" Cincinnati to " 2i CO 22 .">() 

Cliicago to '• lU Sri 2s S.-) 

•■ Sr. I.ouis to "• ;52 20 2(1 ()) 

•■ St. Paul to •' 48 8o ;50 s.") 

The time from iS'ew York to Jacksonville by rail is now reduced to 
forty-six hours. From Philadelphia to Jacksonville, forty-thrca hours. 
At Jacksonville the traveler connects with steamers on the St. 
.lohns river, which land at any of the river points in the county. * 

At Astoria and Sanford connections are made with lines o( railri»ad:» 
running into the interior of the county. 



iO 



ORA^S^GE COUXTY, FLORIDA. 



Okaxge County Iwis^ made greater proo-ress in tlie successful cultiva- 
tion of rlic orange and other fruits,' tiie product of aiivaial climate, tlian anj' 
county in Florida. Tiie suc-cssfnl orange culture tliere, and its large pecu- 
niary returns. :ire assured. Zellwood is situated near tlie west-central pait 
of Orange County, upon the watershed of tlie Florida peninsula, latitude 
a])out -28' 30' N. To reach ZiOLLWOOD, tlie most direct route is by steamboat 
from Jacl^sonviile to Astor. the terminus of tlie St. John's and Lake Eustis 
Railroad. 'J'lie otlier t(!rininns of this road, at Fort Mason, ends for the 
l)r('sent uitiiin 12 mil's of Z^iiLWoOD. Xear tliis terminus, at 'Luke Eustis, 
'■a.i-riages may be procured foi- conveyance furtlier. Another, and a very 
interesting route, is by tlie Ockiawaha River to Cliftbrd's or Badger's wharf, 
on Lake h^ustis. 12 mill's from Zell\V()OD. Tiiat portion of Orange County 
near Zei.LWOOD is studded with v. ry bi-autiful clear-water lakes, the surface 
of tlie country is liigli and rolling, timbered witli large pine trees, and re- 
markable for its liealtlifulness. 




OEAXGE COUNTY. FLORIDA. 



Subscribe for a G-ood Florida Newspaper. 



THIE- 



South Florida Journal. 

Published weekly I)}' 

WAY& OSBORN, Editors and Proprietors, 
SANFOBB. OBAHGE CO., FLA. 

Will ii'ive all the news of Orange and Volusia, the leadino- orausje cjrow- 
inj;- eounties of the State. Tiie Simtk Florida Jmirnal was estabiislied in 
Januaiy. 1874; is a well-printed, seven colmnn paper; ignores politics, ami 
devotes its columns to the advaneement of the. region of Florida in whicii 
it is published. AVMll give fiom time to tmie full' information of the prices 
of, and how to get, Government. State and private lands, and of the (mi1- 
tnre of oi-anges, lemons, i)ine api)le*. and all fruits and vegetables common 
to this elime. 



st:jj3sc:Eiz:E='X'zo3sr : 

Per annum, 82.00; six months, 81.0!); tlu'ee month 
copy sent for two 3-cent stamps. 



aO cents. Sample 




COliiNER FIRST STREET AND PALMETTO AVENUE. 

SANFORD, ORANGE COUNTY, FLA. 

A. E. PHILIPS, Proprietor. 

The largest and most thorouglily stocked establishment of the kind 
south of Jacksonville. 

DRUGS. MEDiniNES. CFEMTGALS. PROPRTKTAliY PREPARA- 
TIONS. DRUGGISTS' Sl^NDRIES, SOAPS. I^ERFUME- 
RIES, HAIR RRUSHES, (X)iMBS, TOOTH 
AND NAIL lUUTSHES, 
and all other kinds of Toilet and Fancy Articles (including an extensive 

and varied stock of Holiday floods in season.) Also 

ORANGE WRAPS. WRITING PAPERS. ENVELOPES, INKS. 

PENCILS. PENS. DIARIES. ALIUTMS AND ALL 

OTHER STATIONERY ARTICLES. 

(GARDEN SEEDS, 

all kinds, I.A^MPS, TRr.MMINGS AND FIXTURES.' 10.000 CIGAKS: 
SMOKING AND CHEWING TOBACCOS. P1P?:S AND CIGARETTES, 
and anything arid evervthing to be found in a Jirst-class Drug Store in or 
out of the cities. PHYSICIANS PRES( lUPTIOXS RECEIVE SPECIAL 
ATTENTION AT ANY HOUR, DAY OR NIGHT. 



2i! OKAXGE COUNTY, FLOltlDA. 

1MTOMAH EMME1^ WILSON, 

UTTOIIEEDUNSELLORIlTLi 

IPcstoSice Sa,ri.forcl, Z^la. 

I^esidexice - - - _ _ S37-l-<^a,ii. Xjstlse. 

H. B. LORD. 

WATCHIViAKER and JEWELER. 

— DKAJ.hJK IX — 

WATCHES, CLOCES, JS77I2LIIY and FLOBIM CUHIOSITISS. 
SANFOllI), FLORIDA. 



WM. EMERSON, 

Carpenter and Builder 

SANFOKD. FLOKIDA. 



\\i!l (■(^utnict ior and build liesidcnccs, Ui'ido-es. o.tc. in any p;n-t of Orjiuiif 

or VohLsiaOoniilies. Will also do a ii-cneml carpenter jobhinji' bu.-incss. 

and warrant, satisfaction. Oount<Ms, S'telviiii?, Desks, and Inside 

Finishing' a s[)eeialrj'. Also building's moved and raised. 



SIRRII^E'S SOARBIi^JG HOUSE, 

SANFORD, FLORIDA, 

.^'orlli^vosJ <'ori»fr B'ous'tlg Wtrct't uud I'jiliaetlo .\v«'iiii«>. 

is now op»-n for guests. 



Hotel Fare at Boarding House Rates. 



J'hrL'e iiiiuutes walk from Bailroud and Steamboat T^auding. 

W.^I. MilKKi-^'K, t'roprietoj 



ORANGE COUNTY, FLOIUDA. 23 



J. T. KELLY, 

1) E A L i: n I \ ALT. K I N D S O F 

NICE GROCERIES, 

Vegetables, Garden Seeds^ tec. 

ALSO If AY, GRAIN AXIJ JFEEI), 

SAN FORD. FLA. 



FORIiEHTER^S* 

Complete Manures. 

Made from Eigh G-rade Chemicais, 
Under Formula of GEO. B. FORRESTER, 

OitKilNATOi; AND PROPRIETOR OK 

Orange Tree Manure 

-j^anLd. a,ll otiLer Oomplete l^vdla.ii-u.r£s. 

Full vvf'iVlif, f.iMl dry articles, prcitai-ed specially for each croj). ami for 
('ianli'uini;-. Truck FAHAfKRH caiuiol atlord to fann wilhoiit iisinii' riicsc 
iiiaiiiii-cs. Tiicse uiatiiircs !iav« no superior, as reliable chemists and <'on- 
.-miiers who have applied them on the same laiul for seven (•<<nseeiirivi' yeai's 
f(ir the same crops can testify. 

■'s7;ro3sriD:E:R,^^-criL. ie^iestjil.'X's. 

S(Mid for circular, and he siu'c you get oue. 

Rev. LYMAN PHELPS, Agent 

SAJVFOItl), FLA, 

Sanford ililliiiery Store 

MRS. L. B. DYKE. 

(Formerly of Tallahassee. Fla.) 
lias opened and will keep constantly on hand a full stock of 

IIATSl ami BONMJTS, KID GLOVED, CjINVASS. ZEPHYRS, 

OMBRE SATfiXS, PLUSHES. RIBBONS OF ALL Kfi\DS, 

SPANISH FIC litis, BLACK AND WHITE, 

And all other kinds and styles of ijoods usually kei)t in a first-cIass Millinery 
i'Stitblislmient. f Jail at her new store, east side Palmetto avenue, between 
'First and Second streets. SAXFORI), FLA. 



24 ORANGE COUNTY, FLORIDA. 



HARDWARE 



CUTLERY, Stoves, TINWARE. 

WAGON 3IATBIiIAL, IliON, HIEEL. 

mm-mi. pips, pipi, piphitiiie, ms, iiis, i?i, 

KEROSENE & LARD OILS; 

In fuct, everything in the ILirdware line IvC'pt ooiiiitaiirly on h;ind. of riis- 

BEST aUALITY AHS AT THE LOWEST PEICES. 



Send Us YourOrdersand Money 

And ive ic ill give better -figures than you can possihhj 
get hy sending away elsewhere. 



TIN ROOFim, eUTTERim, PLUMBim; 

PIPE AND STEAK-FITTIiilS, AND JOB 'WOEK, 



Done to order on sliort notice by tlie most experienced workmen. We \vi) 
guarantee to yon wliat we promise. 



STAFFORD & ELLIS, Sanford, Florida. 



01lAX(iE COUNrTY. FLORIDA. 




COMPANY. 

(HAMILTON DISSTON'S PURCHASE) 

4,000,000 ACEES t LAND 



'Orange Oounty 

OF FLORIDA. 



50,000 ACRES IN ORAWGE CO- 

Near Full-G-rown Orange G-]'oves and Beatitifiil 

Lakes. 



NEW YOBK OFFICE, 115 BBOADWAY, E00M3 111 and 113. 



The Florida Land and Inipi-ovenient Co.. of i!^ew York, having pin- 
chased from the Sfat.e of Florida. Fonr .Million Acres of Land, intend- 
placing the ?anie in the market for sale at low prices, and upon easy terms. 

Tlie first Colony will be located in Orange County, near Orlando, tin- 
connty .seat, and in tiie vicinity of Lake Conway — npon 20, 40 and SO acre 
farms— at prices ranging from one dollar and twent}-tive cents per acre, t<i 
live dollars per acre. 

The qnalitj' of tlie soil, the equable climate, and the vast productions 
of the State need no exaggerated statements to induce any person to locati- 
in any of the Soutliei-n Counties of Florida. 

Tlie climate is very simihir to tiiat of California, and a farmer can em- 
ploy his time every day in the year, without fear of extreme lieat or cold. 

We are now pi-eparingfor publicntion. a i»anip]dit on tlie "Resom-ces of 
Florida."' which will be forwarded by mail, upon receipt of stamp. 

Colonies desiring large tracts will obtain special rates and long credits. 
WM. H. MARTIX, Land Conniiissioner, 
Florida Land & Improvement Co., ll.j Broadwa.y. X. Y., Rooms 111 & IIH. 

Agent in Chicago, III., W. H. XTCHOLS, 101 Clark Street. 

Agent in Buffalo, X. Y.. .J. T. McLAUGHLIX. 350 Main Street. 

Agent in .Jacl<sonville, Fla.. COL. I. CORYELL. 

Agent in Orlando, Fla., 3LVJ. M. R. MARKS. 



•21' OKAXOE I'OUNTY, FLORIDA. 



FOR GOOD BOARD, 



BY THE 



IDJi^'YT OIR "VsTEEIK: 



GO TO 



G. E. SAA¥YER'S, 

SANFORD, ORANGE CO., F[.\ 



DEAT>ER IN 



Dry Goods, Groceries^ 

NOTIONS, 

Boots and Shoes, Hats and Caps, 

CLOTHING. 

qUEENHWARE, WOODENWARE. TOBACCO, CIGARS, *..■. 
8AWF01SD, FLORIDA, 



<tKAN(;K COr.VI'W Kl.OHihA. 



CHARLESTON LIN 



iStt';aiK-liip< Icav* 



NEW YORK 



a.2a.d. 



<'(HiiK'et at 



CHAELESTON 



with iron pahice .•^teaiJicr ST. .TOIIXS for 



FK PvN ANDINA, JACKSON VlLLJ^i 



•Ant] all points <»ii St. Joims, Ocklawalia and liidiaii rivfi-s. 



.TAMI':S ADGER & CO., Agents. New York ami Ciiarleslon S. rt. Co.. 

(Jhiirk'slon. S. < '. 

W. A.COUKTP]XAY, Agent, New York and Sontli Carolina 8. S. Co.. 

Charleston, S. ( '. 

KA\'EVp]L & CO., Agents, C. and F. Ste;uii Packet Compari}-, 

(.Miarleston. S. C. 

J{. J. ADAMS. Agent, II. GaILLARD, Agent. 

Tulatka, Fla! Jacksonville, Fla. 

J. L. HOWARD, Contracting Agent, Jacksonville, Fla. 



2!^ OKANGE COUXTY. FLOErDA. 



Sinclair's Real Estate 



If you want an Orange Grove anywhere front $300 to §20,000 in 
value ; 



If you want unimproved land convenient to transportation, fioni oik 
acre to thousands ; 



If you want to purchase, or procure reliable information in regard 
land or prospective railroads ; 



If you want fiiiit -class High Pine Land :; 

If you want Han>niock Land ; 

If yow want Bay Land ; 

If you want Saw 3Ii!ls or Hotel Sites near sulphwr springs ; 



If you wish for reliable information in regard to climate, ])rodi5cts 
of soil, expense of clearing lajid, cost of trees, expense of setting out, 
and carino; for Groves ; 



If you desire to be ptit in eon"espoiidence with successful fanners 
and orange growers % 



If you desire information in regard to best routes to reach Florida 
from any section of the country, either for freight or passengers j 

Address JOHTsT Q. SINCLAIK, 

No.. 1;, DeLaney's Block, Orlando, Orange County, Florida. 



X3RA.iSrGE COUNTY, FLORIDA. 2lt 

If you want an 

RANGE GROVE, 

or a lot of vvild land to plant one on. 

Below Damaging Frost Line, 



^outh of Lake Monroe, the head of certain navigation on the St. Johns 
river, in that portion of the peninsula where the lands are gienerally 



TOO POOK, TO BE UNHEALTHY 

where you can ohtain 

'-«Aoi> SOCIETY, QOOB> SCHOOI^S, <QOC>I> CHURCHES. 

OOOai» WATER. €JO<(j»I> FEEF.ir¥€}. OOOI> TRAI¥S- 

lP©RTATaOx^ AiVl> FEIV Ii^SECTS, 



where almost every man j'-ou meet is a Non-commisslGned Land Agent, who 
wants to speculate on you, come to u}^' house at tliis place, and 

I WILL SHOW YOU WHAT YOU WANT, 

Judging entirely bj' the amount of cash j^ou vrant to invest, and I will buy 
you the land as cheap as it can be had. I am handling over 



2,000,000 ACRES OF LAND, 

from $1.25 to $250.00 per aei-e, and over 

100 Orange Groves, 

from $1,060 to $75,000. I will deal with you justly and honorably, I have 
settled over 900 good men in Orange, Volusia and Polk counties. 

I represent myself in Orange, J<^hn Snoddy of Bartovv in Polk, and E, 
E. Ropes at Volusia in Volusia. M. R. MARKS 

Real Estate and Land Agent, 
WjLCOX, Orange County, Fla. 



3« ORANGE COUNTY. FLOEIDA. 



NOT A CHEAP BOARDING HOUSE. 

Tliose in search of a delifjlitful winter home cannot fail to be pleasinJ witW 

ZUFRIEDEN, 

A beautiful winter resort, situated in a liigh, liealthy eoontrj'. t^n 
One and a half miles from 

Oviedo, Orange County, Florida, 

And two miles soutli of Solary's Wharf, 

LAKE JESUP. 

Steamers from Jacksonville nnd Sanford make recnlar landing's atthe 
last named place, and parties com iiiii' to. or I-eturnin": fiom Znfrieden.'viH 
have but two miles to riile, over a pleasant road, through natuial forests, 
and past orange groves covering hundreds of acres. 

THE COUNTEY ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF LAKE JESUP IS 
HIGH AND HEALTHY, 

and the soil, mostly GKAY AND BLACK HAMMOCK. IS THE BEST 
KNOWN l^OR EARLY VEGETABLES AND 'JTiOPK AL FRUITS. 
THE ORANGE GROVES IN THIS VICINITY ARE THE FINEST OF 
THEIR AGE IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA. Tliesc are facts of which 
you will be fully convinced on making a visit to tiiis favorite section and in- 
vestigating for yourself. No orange trees liave ever Itecn injured by frost 
or cold south of Lake Jesup. The people aie inlelligent and enterprising, 
and the countrj' is improving with grent rapidit\ . iletliodist. Baptist and. 
Temperance societies hold regular meetings. 

FOSTER'S CHAPEL, 

A commodious and beautiful church, named after Dr. Wm. Foster, of Clif- 
ton Springs. New York, at whose expense the biiihling was erected, anr? 
whose winter residence is on TiUke Charm, is in t\\o vicinitj'. Our house is 
well Jinished and fnrnislied, and tlie table is supplied with fresii vegetables, 
lisli. game and tropical fruits. 

From fifteen dollars to twenty- five dollars per week, according to loca- 
tion of rooms; or from two dollars and fifiy cents to four dollars per dav. 
For further particulars address "MRS. J. L. BREWSTER, 

Znfrieden, Lake Jcsup, Florida. 



ORANGE COUNTY, FLORIDA, m 



TAYAKES 



The town* of T.ivares is locitcd or a ^sigh rldg s c ,i a pjnin-^ula 
form„^d by Lake Eistis and P j.-a and the D^kLvwaha river, and ombr;ic;'S 
■nearl}' one thousand acres of oak, pine and high hammock land, all ot 
svliich rank as first-class orange land. A large orange grove, just north 
v)f the town, on Lake Eustis, naw iis full bearing, the property of the 
^H'oprieters, Messrs. St. Clair-Abrams Sc Siammerlin, attest the quality of 
the land and its adaptability for successful orange culture. 

The town is laid out in lots suitable ia size for business purposes' 
villa sites, hotels and manufactories. The streets and avenues vary in 
■width from sevcRty to one hundred feet. The principal avenue, called 
Tavares Boulevard, extends along the !>anks of ]jake Dora over a half 
luile and varies from one hundred to one hundred and fifty feet in width. 
On this avenue the proprietors will expend a large sura ©f money, to 
make it one of the most beautiful and attractive drives in tho Slate. 
On the eastern end of the Boulevard, lots have been set apart upon 
which to erect winter hotels. On one of these lots, fronting Shore Park, 
will be erected next year the largest hotel iti the State, The hotel will 
contain one hundred and fifty bed-rooms, beside other rooms necessary 
for a house of this .size. 

The view fV'>nt the town across Lake Eustis ou the north and Lake 
Dora on the south is anequalled for beauty in the State. The OcklaWaha 
river on the west, uniting the two lakes, is a tributary of the St, Johns 
and is noted for its beautiful scenery. 

Three railroads will center at the town. Work on the Tavares and 
Lake Monroe railroad has been commenced and its early completion to 
Sanford is a fixed fact. 

A hotel with accommodations for one hundred gaests, and thirty 
cottages are being built, The largest lumber mills iu South Florida 
are located at Tavares, the capacity of the mills being twenty thousand 
feet of lumber per day. Calcium lights have been ordered, t© furnish 
the ii'.'cessary light to enable the ix?ills to run night as well ai day, in 
■firder to keep up with the demand for lumber. 

The. present transportation facilities are unsurpassed by any town 
in the State. Steamers fronj Jacksonville via Ocklawaha river land on 
the wharves f»f Lake Eustis the year roian L From Fort iMason, the 
!j)resent teriiiinu.s of the St. Johns & Lake Kustib liailroad, distant four 
juiles. steanjers arrive daily. 

The healthfulness of Tavares is noted ; the easterly winds which 
prevail during the summer months blowing across open piney woods fof 
Hearh' twenty miles- 



OKANGE COUNTY, FLORIDA. 



Church and school privileges rank among the best in the State. 
Arrangements have been made for the iniiiiediate erection of a school 
building, and lots have been set apart on which to build a church for 
every denomination, to aid in the building of which the proprietors will 
donate lumber sufficient to erect a suitable church edifice on each lot. 
so that the expense to the congregation will be very light. 

The lumber mills, the orange growing, and market gardens, the 
erection of buildings and the construction of railroads furnish employ- 
ment for a large number of skilled and unskilled laborers, and the de- 
mand is increasing. Good opportunities are open for all the diiferent 
branches of business and one hundred men now find employment 
in Tavares. 

The proprietors own and keep constantly employed a steamboat, 
in addition to the other boats plying on the lakes,) in connection with 
their lumber mills. The lumber mills at Tavares are the only ones fur- 
nishing orange boxes and vegetable crates in a territory now producing 
seventy thousand boxes of oranges and a like nuuiber of cmtes of vege- 
tables per annum, and the demand will increase rapidly in the near 
future. The capacity of the mills is fully equal to the requirements at 
present and will be kept up in the future. 

In addition to the town property, the proprietors own a large tract 
of first-class orange and vegetables lands, situated from one mile to three 
miles of the town, which will be sold to actual settlers for improvement 
at $5.00 per acre and upward. 

Lots will be sold at reasonable prices to actual settlers and facilities 
•;^iven for improving homes. 

For further particulars, prices of lots, etc., address 



St Clair-Abrams & Summerlln^ 

Tavares, Orange Co., FIa» 



ORANGE COUNTY, FLORIDA. 



R. G. ROBINSON, 
Zellwood, Orange County, Florida. 

Orange Groves Planted and Superintended, 

d^d Building Sites Improved for Non-Residents. 

References and information on application. Letters of inquiry 
promptly answered. 



L. F. 

Sanford, . - - Florida. 

BAKERY, COKIFECTIONE^I 



Also Manufacturer of 

SODA AND MINERAL WATERS. 

Wholesale dealer in 



LAGER BEER, 



and Bottler. Families supplied with bottled beer in Orange and Volusia 

counties. 

LAGER BEEE AND LUNCH ROOM 

in connection with the bakery. It shall always be my earnest desire to 
supply my patrons with the best articles in my line, and attend to all orders 
promptly. 

Ija;rg:e$t Variety of Xoys and CanclicN in tlic C'onnty. 

Respectfully, L. F. IIOEFER. 



GROHMAN'S 

BOAEDING HOUSE, 

SANFOED, - - - FLORIDA. 

In the Parramore Cottage, on Sanford Ave., bet. Leffler'sand Kelly's Stores. 

The Table will be Supplied with Fish and G-ame in Season. 
RATES REASONABLE. J. R. GROHiAIAN, Proprietor. 



:M OKAXGE county, FLORIDA. 



J^I^OIPI^J^ OIT'Z". 



Apopka City is located in the center of the county, upon high roil- 
ui'^l land, at a (ii.'^tance i'roni swamps or local causes of disease, having 
been selected in 1853 as a residence, by a physician, on account of its 
dry atmosphere, elevation and good water. It has between three and 
four hundred inhabitants, and each residence surrounded by orange 
trees, and consequently covers a large area of ground. 

The public buildings are a Town Hall, Masonic Lodge, neat Metho- 
dist and liaptist Churches, with a prospect of soon having a Presbyterian 
Church ediiice. A Ih-ug store and four stores doing a general mercan- 
tile business, with, fair stocks of goods, which are sold at reasonable 
jirices. A I'ost vjtfice and Money C)rder Office, with a I)aily mail from 
Sandford and ( h'lando. and a Semi-weekly mail from Fort Mason. 

'i lie Public School has an average attendance of one hundred 
(uipils. The South Florida Citizen, a weekly paper is published here. 
A JIusical Academy to be under the charge of Professor John Esputa 
is now beinii erected. We have a Wagon and Placksmith shop, and a 
Steam Saw-mill, with the prospect of another shortly. Also a regular 
f>eef market. 

The facilities for transportation are rapidly increasing. An exten- 
sion of the South Florida Railroad from Longwood through Apopka 
City to Charlotte Harbor on the Gulf of Mexico, will in all probabihty 
he finished to this place by the ist of January. The citizens on this 
portion of the route, have contributed $38,700 towards its construction. 

There is another proposed line from Orlando by way of this place 
to Fort Mason. l}y v;ay of Clay Spring, four miles distant, we have 
water transportation to the St. Johns, twenty-five miles and connection 
V ith steamers on that river. A company is now engaged in deepening 
th.e channel of the Ocklawaha river, where it passes from Lake Apopka 
into Lake Dora, distance from Apopka to landing outhe lake three and a 
half miles ; this will give water communication v>ith Fort Mason and the 
railroad at that place. 

There is a fine opening for a good hotel, which would be well 
patronized. There are no drinking saloons here, and the citizens are 
determined to use all lawful means to keep them away. 

W. A. LOVELL & SON. 

DEALERS IN 

D^Y GOODS, GROCERIES, 

Boots, Shoes, and General Merchandise, 

FARM SUPPLIES AND GOULD'S FERTILIZERS, 

AH of wliicii aiv ollVred at reasonable prices. 

APOPKA CITY, FLOKTDA. 
Oranges hy the box or quantity, for sale at our well known grove at 
llawkin.-?vilk', Orange County, on the ISt. Johns river. 



ORANGE COUN'TY. FLORfDA. 



HEAL JESTATE AND LA^JD OFFICE. 

J. T. CHAMPNKYS, 

Rea! Estate and Land Agent. 

OFFICES AT SAXFORI) AXD APOPKA (.TTY. ORA>;(;F (*).. F!.A- 

VVill ptirchuse and sell Liiinlsiind Ri'.-il Estiitc. survey land-, (dear lands. 
phiut g-roves, ;iiid fiu'insli ti'ccs if di'sii-ed. ^\'ill ;jl.-*(^ take eliarni! of ^lovrs 
and see to the cultivation of tlie same. Have several iiii[)ri)Vi'd and iinini- 
proved places. Wild lands and iioniestcad claims for sale ; tiiis (Jrani/e lamf 
on long time. Also several tliousanr! Oi-«n<;e, Lemon and Tiini" scedlin^v foj' 
sale oil easvterms. J. 1'. ("ilAMFXEYS. ('. E. 





(NOW IN ITS THIRD YEAR,) 

Published Every Saturday at Apcpka City, Fla., 
By Willis M. Kussell, Editor and Publislier. 

Subscnption rates $2.00 per yeai-, postai^e iVee. 

The Citizen is iu>n-parti/an, either in politics or reli,i;ion, anc) is a fi'ar- 
les.s advocate of the Trutli and the Right; discussing whatever subjects it 
deems the interests of its readers require ; looking speciama' to tlie set- 
tlement and DEVELOPMENT of SOUTH Feorida, and tlie promotion of 
unity, harmony and good feeling among all classes; discriminating in favor 
of no locality to the injustice or prejudice of anotlier. 

Remittances b}" P, O. Money Order or in Registered Letter at our risk. 
Try it a year. 

Apopka City, Orange County, Fla., Sept., ISSl. 



i« Jlvo X^, 

DEALER IX 

General Merchandise. 



oice Groceries a bpecui^jiy. 

Apopka, Florida. 



3fi ORANGE COUNTY. FLORIDA. 



G. L. JONES, M. D. A. A. MILLER. 

G.L.JONES & CO., 
Druggists and Pliarmaceiitists, 

APOPKA CITY, FLORIDA, 

Keep :i "•(■iieral assortment of 

MEDICIMS, DRmS, PAINTS, OILS, IC. 

Al-o a full line of GARDEN SEEDS for faniil3^ and market gardening, and 

ev<'r3' article usually found in a countrj- Drug Store. 

I*liysi<'isi,ns' I'res'uriptions CsirefBally CJonipoitn<lod. 

DORSETT & WHITEHEAD, 

APOPKA, FIOniDA. 

Dealers in 

T>ri/ Goods, Groceries, Hoots and Shoes, Hats 
and Caps, Hardware, 

and a general assortment of Notions, which will be sold low for cash or 
barter. LEATHER, SHOE FINDINGS and OILS a SPECIALTY. We 
have for sale tine bodies of rich Hammock and Pine Lands at low prices. 
We also keep a hack and good teams to carrj- passengers to any point. 

O. W. RANSOM. J. D. FUDGE. 

RANSOM & FUDGE, 
REAL ESTATE AGENTS, 

APOPKA CITY, FLORIDA. 

We have a large amount of improved and unimproved property on our 
books, consisting of Hammock and Pine Lands, Orange Groves, and Town 
I'roperty, Said lands are on and near the great Lake Ahapopka, Stark 
Lake, Lake Butler, Apopka City, and Altamonte. Correspondents prompt- 
I3' answered. 

J. J. COMBS. E. E. MORRISON. 

J. J. COMBS & CO., 

DEALERS IN 

Dry Goods, Groceries, 

Hats, Boots, Shoes, Crockery, ClotMng, 

CIGARS, TOBACCO, and GENERAL MERCHANDISE, 

-A-poplca, Oit^r, :F^lorid.a,- 
Branch Store at West Apopka, Sumter County. 



ORANGE COUNTY, FLORIDA. 37 



The Lake Eustis Region 



This beautiful region is situated in the northern portion of west 
Orange, and embraces the scope of country around the western, northern 
and eastern sides of Lake Kustis. That on the west extending from the 
Ocklawaha river (forming tiie boundary line of Sumter County) to Lake 
Yale ; the northern section consists of the Fort Mason neighborhood and 
includes the country along the St. Johns and Lake ]^jnstis liailroad ; and 
the eastern part, the territory between Lakes Eustis and Dora, and ex- 
tending to the Ocklawaha river joining these two lakes. 

Nearly the whole of the country indicated consists of fine, high, 
rolling pine lands, much of it first-class South Florida land, here and 
there hammock lands are found in small areas, and there is but a com- 
paratively small portion that can be considered worthless, or composed 
of scrub, grass-ponds, marshes, or swamps ; but consists of a yellow sandy 
soil covered with a growth of large pines and interspersed with beautiful, 
clear, high bank lakes ; and admirably adapted to semi-tropical fruit cul- 
ture, as is evidenced from the number of flourishing bearing orange groves 
seen in various places, and the diff"erent fruits thriftily maturing in the 
different seasons of the year, and the great number of fine, fast grov.'ing, 
large, young orange groves already started, and the numerous others 
being under way. 

The lands within our region have been almost entirely taken posses- 
sion of by homesteaders, nearly all of whom have lands for sale, and 
good bargains can be obtained by timely prospecting and application. 
Very many excellent locations to suit all tastes can be secured at very 
reasonable rates. 

The general description of Orange County is applicable to this re- 
gion in every particular in all meritorious attributes, as we enjoy all the' 
advantageous characteristics possessed by any of the other sections of 
our county, and furthermore claim a preeminence in some respects, 
especially as regards our unicpie and fortunate geographical location, 
which will be presently adverted to. The three great requisites which 
should always engage the consideration of the prospective settler as 
matters of the first importance, we can with pleasure confidently present. 
These are, a country of extreme healthfulness, convenient transportation, 
by water and rail — the Ocklawaha river and the St. Johns and Lake 
Eustis Railroad — -and a fairly good soil. 

The Lake Eustis region also offers luiusual inducements to those 
desirous of engaging in winter vegetable gardening ; our southern situa- 
tion and our soil combined, the many localities here having good water 
protection against frost and the direct transportation render quite pro- 
pitious the conditions for the prosecution of tliis business. It has been 
engaged in here somewhat extensively and quite successfully and lucrn- 
tively for several seasons past and is destined to become a resource of 
great commercial importance. And here it is well to observe that be- 
sides the almost incomparable wholesomeness of our highland country 
and the general beauty of its landscapes and magnificent lake views, it 



:^8 ORANGE COUNTY, FLORIDA. 



presents many attractions and charming merits for invalids, winter 
visitors, tourists and sportsmen. 

Lake I']ustis being one of five large lakes (of the Great Lake Region) 
forming the head'Waters of the fanioijs Ocl<lawaha river, and Iving in 
close proximity to Lakes Dora and Ilarns, two oi' ihp fou?' othors. poss- 
esses from its situation pecijUar advantages that do ii.ot belong to the 
otlier lakes and other parts of Orange County ; among other,s. it may l>e 
mentioned tliat it is the Key so to speak, as regards transportation 
facilities and improvenjents through a large scope of the surrounding 
country. The improvements in the opening up of the fifivigation of the 
river and Lakes Dora and Apopka above, now I)eing prosecuted, v.ill 
redound to the benefit of this Lake Eustis region. And there is a great 
likelihood of railroads being made on oil sides; of this lake. There are 
already six or seven roads recently chartered, and a great jirobability of 
one half or more of then) being made, ]?esides the Ht, Johns and i^ake 
Kustis liailroad ah-eady in operation, whos*; termjmifs w. at Foit Mason, 
(on the lake.) two or more railroads to the north and the westward wliich. 
are to be the grand outlets and thoroughfares of our great county to di. 
rectly connect her with the principal markets of the world, aiul the grand 
isystems of northfrn railroads, vmnt nece^i.-juribj pass through our region 
and close by our lake. 

So we are situated at tlje ijatnira;/ of conjnjerce of our county and 
Au extensive region adjacent, for here will be the traversing and crossing 
of such a uu'.nber of roads as to evenually niake it a center of no small 
importance. And furthermore, the njost important railroad lines con. 
necting the city of Jacksonville most directly with South Florida, cither 
to the Atlantic, or Gulf Coast most advantageously, njost certainly must 
traverse our locality. 

So it can at once be seen that tlie iamiigrant can not well go amiss 
in casting his lot among us, and selecting a honje hereabouts. And in 
our endeavors to engage attention and enlist an interest jn our commu- 
nity, it is with a pleasing consolation and pride that we can inform the 
new-conicr that this region is inhabited by excellent society and posses- 
es good facilities in the way of school and church privileges, con- 
venience to well stocked stores with goodg at reasonable rates, also to 
hotels, saw-niUls and work.shops, &:c„ to be found at the flourishing 
villages of Fort Mason. Eustis and Tavares, We have a telegraph office 
at Eustis and a weekly newspaper, the Semi-Tropical is also published 
fhere. And withal, the prospects are quite favorable for this being 
the -centra! part of a new county, to be established in all probability, at 
no distant day. 

Few localities in Florida are receiving greater accessions to its 
population, or are improving faster in every respect than this, and we 
oonscienciously assert the belief tiiat none will niake uiore gigantic 
progressive strides in the near future. We already possess very nearly 
jf not all the desirable prerequisites for the creation of attractive and 
the most pleasant of homes, the rendering of life delightful and happy 
to its utmost with such Eden-like surroundings, with the fewest of its 
flls. and tiierefore all that is conducive to the maintenance of a healthy 
t^;tatus and the fostering of longevity. 

Much n)igl)t be said about the beauties of our climate, our nmlti. 



OKANOE COUN'I^Y, FLORIDA. •{'.> 



fariotis productions, our various resources. &c., but space forbids further 
expatiaiiou. and description, and as ".seeing is believing,'" we cordially 
Invite all hon'e seekers and health seekers to come and see us and oHr 
fine country. 

Those at a distance desirous of further information can address 
Ilor.. J. M. Bryan. E. (t. Rchrer. R. McS. Byrne and Dr. K. B. Miles nt 
Fort Mason, or J. A. McPonaid, (^ol. Q. H. Norton and A. !^t. Clair. 
Abranis, Lake Eustis P. 0., Orange Co., Fla. 



ROYAL LIEU. 



All tiiose contemplating growing oranges or lemons should go to 
Koyallieu. Eoyallieu is situated among the high rolling hills, among 
the lakes in West Cirange, with Post Office, Telegraph and Public 
(School facilities, with public roads running from Sanford to Lake 
Eustis. and from Orlando to Lake Eustis. 

For i'urther inforuiation address 

W= J. HILL, 

Dealer in Doors, Sash, Blinds, Paints, &.c, 
SANFOMJ), Fla, 

S. A. ROBINSON, 




Will conduct survey.« In all part.* o! South Florida, OUlei' at rlic ('oiu1 
Hou.<e. 

OrlffiK^o, Orar(ff<' Co,, Florida, 



40 ORANGE COrXTY, FLORIDA. 



ngerlne and Its Surroi 



In looking on a good map of the State of Florida, neat* the head 
of the Ocklawaha river, will be found Lake J)ora : Lake Beauclair lies 
just south of it and, with the river as it passes northward from Lake 
Apopka, form the western boundary of our locality. We are located 
midway between Hoyallieu and Zellwood postoffices. We are ten miles 
from the present terminus of the St. Johns and Lake Ewstis railroad, at 
Fort Mason, In connection with the railroad, a little steamer plies 
about Lake Eustis. A small expenditure in improving the channel be- 
tween Lakes Eustis and Dora woidd enable this steamer to come to the 
various proposed landings on Lake Beauclair and the Ocklawaha river 
along the western border of our region. This, it is hoped, will be ac- 
complished within a year. 

The region which we are trying to bring more thoroughly to the at- 
tention of persons seeking first class orange-growing, healthful locations 
includes twenty sections, mostly of high, rolling, first-class pine land. 
Our locality is peculiarly adapted to semi-tropical fruit culture, on ac- 
count of its freedom from killing frosts, the effect of lying to the east 
and southeast of Lakes Beauclair. Dora, Kustis. Harris and Griffin. 

Improved and unimproved land can be had at reasonable prices in 
lots to suit purchasers, fron) private parties. Our neighborho(>d is rap- 
idly settling up about ten new families having come in withiii the past 
year. Our population (all white save one family) is of the quiet, order- 
ly class, and we have no liquor saloons within ten miles. Our locality is 
devoid of malaria. No doctors needed here, if they propose to obtain 
a living by their profession. 

The lakes of this region are well stocked with fish — the varieties 
being trout (black ba.ss of the north) cat and bream. Deer are found 
on the hills, especially in some '-scrub" or waste land adjoining us. and 
in the '"flatwoods" near by. Quail and squirrel are also found, and 
doves and blackbirds sometimes become a nuisance, Sunday school is 
held each week at Zellwood, and also near by at Sorrento. Episcopal 
church service is held monthly at Zellwood, and four miles south of 
Tangerine the Methodists hold meetings once or twice monthly. A 
public day school will certainly be established within our borders during 
the coming fall. At the proposed town of Tangerine a small store has 
been opened where the prime necessaries of life can be obtained, A 
fuller stock is kept at other stores from five to ten miles distant. Good 
building lumber retails at the mills, three, five and eight miles distant, 
at $8 to !j;l2 per 1,000 feet, and dressed flooring at about $15. 

In looking at the map issued by tlie State, you must bear in mind 
that there are thousands of beautiful little clear water lakes of from 10 
to 400 acres, and a few of 400 to 3,000 not shown on it. Our locality 
has a goodly number of them. The proper way to reach our locality is 
the usual one '* via Jacksonville, Fla," The St, Johns river steamers 
will carry you from Jacksonville to Astor. and then the railroad takes 
you to Fort Mason. About $3 will hire a private conveyance at Fort 
Mason, or near by at Lake Eustis post office, for this point — and then 



ORAXGE COUXTY, FLORIDA 4! 



toil will see one of the choice spots of Fforida. We h ivc no black 
l^aiats or sand flies, and a bar at night protects us from the nioscjiiitoe.s 
during the few weeks in summer when we are subject to theia. Tiiey 
never annoy us in daytime, as they do in some parta of New Jersey. 
There are less snakes on our uplands than in any unsettled part of the 
United States. 

Drinking water is from our clear water lakes, springs and wells ; it 
is soft and healthful, l^oarding njight be obtained among some of the 
families liere for $12.00 per month, or i5;4.00 to $5.00 per week ; and at 
the Bourlaad House, on Lake Ola, at reasonable rates. A post office 
lias recently been established at Tangerine, and we have semi-weekly 
mail service. "The Tangerine Development Society" is an association 
composed chiefly of persons who have taken homesteads in this region, 
and who desire to see the merits of this locality more thoroughly made 
known to intending settlers. The offlcers of the society are D. W, 
.idams (P. M. National Grange). President; J. C. Euss, Vice President; 
R. J. Wright, Treasurer ; J, H. Foster, Corresponding Secretary. For 
further particulars address the secretary. 



LONGWOOD. 



LoxGWOon — Nine and a half miles from iSanford, on the South 
Florida Railroad, offers inducements to immigrants, and those wishing 
beautiful and healthful homes many advantages. It has been but a few 
years that the tide of seekers after Florida homes turned their steps this 
way, and now njay be seen surrounding the beautiful clear water lakes, 
(many large flourishing orange groves and comfortable homes. 

Being on the line of the South Florida Railroad, we have rapid and 
convenient transportation for fruits, vegetables, lumber, &c. We have 
a. railroad depot, a post office, two stores furnishing general supplies, a 
public school during the regular term, two churches, Kpiscopal and Bap- 
tist, a good boarding house, to which additions are to be made in time 
for winter travel, a ffrst class carriage and wagon factory, conducted by 
a practical machinist, also two saw mills, turning out rough and planed 
lumber. 

Our lauds are high, rolling, and healthy, well adapted to the grow- 
ing of all kinds of semi-tropical fruits and vegetables. Lying between 
£he South Florida Railroad and the Wekiva river are the high, rolling 
pine hills of Orange County ; a ridge running fron:i the Sylvan Lake 
settlement on toward the southern portion of the county, healthy and 
salubrious, and rapidly being settled up by enterprising people from the 
3»!^otth and West. Land in large and small lots cau be had at reasonable 
rates by actual settlers. Letters of inquiry wiii be duly answered by 
addmsHing either of the following gentlemen : 

F. H. Rx\ND, S. F, GOVE, 

E. L. CLARK, D. L. MILLER, 

LoBgwood^ Orange Co., Fla. 



42 OBANGE COUNTY, FI.ORIDA. 



-i^HiTOOIsrjL. 



Altoona, in Orange (Joimty, is situated on the line of the St. 
Jokns and Lake KusUs Railroad, seventeen niUes from Astor on the St, 
Johns liver, and eight miles from Furt Mason on Lake Eustis. and 
about the center of the most elevated section through which the said 
road leads. Altoona is one n)ile south of Lake i>)rr, which is four 
miles long by three Jn width ; this is one of Uie mo«t beautiful bodies 
of water in western Orange. 

Tlie situation of Aitoona is strikingly attractive, bfiing on and 
among heavy rolling land, and surrounded by a nun\ber of beautiful 
clear water lakes. The soil is a sandy loam with a clay subsoil varying 
Irom one to four feet from the surface. This belt of covmtry extends 
from the north of Lake Dorr to beyond Umatilla north and south for a 
distance of seven miles on tho railroad, and from Acron to Niggertown 
Creek east and west, for a distance of twelve miles. This belt of conn-, 
try leading to the northeast and east of Lake llorr is a high, rolling pnie 
country, embracing about &ix thousand unoccupied acres of land taken 
by the State to supply the deficiency of the sixteenth section of the 
school land, which is an evidence of its superior quality, 

Tiiere are here more young and flourishing groves, with n\any bear- 
ing, than in any other portion of our common county, with a well organ- 
ized society, having the advantage of good church and school facilities. 
This land can be on,tered ui^der the homestead law of the State, Acts of 
\S81, which is as follows;: By actual residence and cultivation, for three 
years, and paying for the land at three amuial installments, one-third 
each year, the land being sold to settlers at one dollar and a quarter per 
acre. This Jand can he bought in lor^ from forty to one hundred and 
sixty acres. 

The coimtry directly east of Altoona, commencing tvvo miles froni 
same, is a fiat countvy, interspersed with vising knolls of elevated land, 
uiany of which contain beautiful orange groves, and fttnious among 
them in this locality may be mentioned those of Dykes, Kirkland, Shultz 
and Crow. This section is also specially adapted to raising of stock, 
where they can be kept at no cost and little o.ttention. 

The county directly north of Altoona, and along the hue of railroad 
to the head of Lake I>orr, is level but sufficiently elevated to insure per 
feet di-ainage and affording sojne of the best lands in this section. 

The county west and north-west of xHtoona is a high, hilly and roll- 
ing land, interspersed with many small, but beautiful clear water lakes, 
making it a very desirable locality for those in search of health. This 
section is being settled up rapidly by persons from the north and west. 

To the south and south-west of Altoona towards Fort j>Iason for a 
£e\\ miles, the country is a beautiful specimen (if rolling pine land, and 
in this section may be found some of the mo.st beautiful lakes, surround- 
ed by live oak, and affording son^e of the best land for general agricul- 
ture and semi-.tropical fruits. 

Citizens of this section are representatives of all parts of the 1 'nion, 
inteUigent and hospitable. The healthfulness of this section is unsur- 



ORAN'GS COUNTY, FLORIDA. -i'^ 



passed by -any spot in the United States, water jMire. sweet and as good 
as could be desired, though not as cold naturally as the kvater further 
north, owing to the evenness of the teniperatiu-e of the clianate. ^V<? 
iiave convenient schools for each neighborhood, tnidat- the management 
,of efficient teachers, th« ciwrch facilities are not as desiied, but move- 
ments are being inaugarated to supply the deficieiicy. Our section \k 
well supplied with steam saw mills, situated immediately on the railroad, 
which makes them accessible to each and everv neighborhood. 



ZELLWOOD 



■Zkllwoo'I). — Latitude 28° 30^ iwMth, is situated in the beautifui 
Sake region of West Orange Connty. t^\■enty-flve miles from the St. 
,Iohns river, four miles and a half frojn the Ocklawaha river, and ten 
gniles southeast of Lak-e l^j^istis, the present terniinus of the St. John^; 
and Jj-cike Eustis .Kailroad. 'Tfie topography of the oountry immediately 
surrounding is high,, r.oUjng .and picturesqiie ; the iisuixl ^nonotony of th^ 
^iny woods beii.:^ .bjoken iby liills, valleys and niuneroiis ,clear water 
lakes, "^i'he fioU, 'und&rladd witii c^ay and fre<3 fro^n und^.rg^x>wth, is of 
-fair quality a.^Kl well adapted to the production of all Mnds of .senij- 
s.ro}:)ical fr'siite.. The location frs perfectly liiealthy, and a|ford-.s ma,ny 
iie.sirable sUes for groves and riQsidcvices, 

■\Ve liave a scl>ool, post office, i,¥id a ra>pid'ly in-creasing population, 
largely composed (#f people of refmefitent and intelligence. The 
^'nlargenient 'if the channels connecting Lakes Dora. Beauclair and 
Apopka. which is now rapidly piogressin^, will give us water transporta- 
(tio.n witjiin three iinles :^ while tlv2 .railroad proposed from Lake Eustis 
to Orlando via Zellwood and Apopji-a will give us a speedy and cour 
venient outlet in thp ueajr futwe,. Visitors ^cajs l>es^ r^.ach Zelhvopd by 
:i-ai] from Astor on the St. Johns to Lake Eustis. where .Qonveyance can 
ibe obtuined, •C'o?"res|^X)nd'enC'e soHcitetl. 

;GEORCxE a WELBY. 

"Zeywojad, ^^n2,e Co., Fla- 



W, R. ANNO, 

ATTORNEY AT LAW, 

ORLANDO, FLORIDA. 



Will pracrieo in the Sliitte anj United Stati'*- Cotu-ts. Ab.'^trur.ts nj, 
y}%}cf a spc/'ialty-,. 



44 OKAXGE COUXTY. J'T.OKTDA. 

Orange Connty Reporter 



ORLANDO, ORANGE CO., FLA. 



Mahlon G-ore, - - - , - Publisher. 



Tekms op Subscriition.— $2 per yeiM- ; $1 far six months ; 50 tH'ut.s 
for three months. Single c-oples by mail lor two iJ-cent stiunps. 

The Kki^orter is devoteci to tlie diivelopment of South F'loridu, aiuj 
iiims in all tiiini^s to keep fully abreast of the times in inforuvitiou ooneern- 
jng this favored region. No other portion of the United Statics is at pres- 
ent attx'actiug so much attention as tliis ;, no otlier ijoi'tion ott'eis so ina,ny 
attractions to hon^e-seekers, or capitiUists (lesiring to invest uioney. It iias 
rlie lines,t climate in tile world, both in winter and sun>mer ; and statistics 
prove it to be the most liea^thy portion of the iiabitable glolie. U is the 
liome of the senii-tix>pical fruits, and only i\j(iuiros. development to make it 
all that can l:ne desired for an eartldy home. 

GEO. E. MACY. 
Wagon leaker and Blacksmith, 

OKLANDO, FLJl. 

I am prepai-ed to build or repair, at short notice, 

Bu^gies^ Buck Boards, Casts and Wagons of all Kinds. 

HIGH PATENT WHEELSWITH BROAD TIRES A SPECIALTY. 

Blaoksmitlimg of all Kiads Done to Order. 

A general assortment ol Wagons, c^c, constantly on hand for sale. 

.ILL J^EW WOEK FULLT WARRAJ^TED OKE TEAE. 

Please call and examine my work and give me youi- oixlers. I will 

do my best to please you botli in QUALITY OF 

WORK and FKICE. You will 

SAVE MONEY BY PATI10NI2IH& HQKE INDUSTRIES. 
"Promptness" is My Motto. 

Respectfully. , GEO. E. MACY'. 



ORANGE COUNTY, FLORIDA. 45 

ALKX. ST. CLAIR-ABRAMS, R. L. SUMMERLIN, 

State Attoniej^ County Jiulge. 

St. Clair-Abrams ^ Summerlin, 

ATTORNEYS AT LA^AA, 

Will practice in Orange, Volusia, Urevard, Sumter and Polk 

Counties. Prompt attention given to collections. 

Examination of Land Titles a specialtj\ 

BRANCH OFFICE AT SANFORD, FLA, ORLARDO, ORANGE CO., FLA. 

THE FLORIDA. 

Devoted to the DiftXision of Truth, the Establishment of Justice, the Dis- 
semination of Pure Literature, and the Development of the 
Industrial and Agricultural Interests of 
"the Italy of America." 

Geo. Eugene Bryson, - - - Publisher. 



Fifty Cents per annum, postage prepaid ; payable invariably in ad- 
vance. Specimen copies, 5 cents each, J5@r A cash commission of 20 per 
cent, will be allowed those who procure subscribers for the Florida. 

Money should be sent by P. O. monej'' order or registered letter, so as 
to provide as far as possible against its loss by mail. j^° Postage stamps 
will only be accepted for specimen copies of paper. 

Address ali letters, etc., to Tli-e ^loiiia-si, 

Orlando, Orange County, Florida. 

The South Florida Telegraph Co., 

—AND— 

SANFORD TELEGRAPH CO. 

Telegrams for all parts of the United States and Europe received at the 
offices of these comi>anies for transmission. Line to Maitland, Orlando and 
Hvissimjaee in consti-uction. JOHN S. ARNOLD, Supt. 

Sanford, Florida, 



46: ORANGE COUNTY, FI.ORIDA. 

THE 

FORD GRA 

ORANGE COUNTY, 
Jb * I I O JbC I ID 





h'dud on thiy Grant, the property of Tlie Flonda Lantf .and Colon- 
ization Company, Limited, is now offered for sale in lots to suit pur- 
chasers, at prices varying, according to location and qaality, on easy 
terms and long time to ((ctnal settlers. TUis property w. for the most, 
part, an old Spanish Grant, confirmed under treaty with Spain by the 
TJnited States Supreme Court, and, consequently, has a perfect title. It 
embraces nearly 25 sqaare miles ; and" is situated in Orange County, on 
the south side of Lake Monroe, at the head of navigation for large 
steamers on the St. Johns Kiver, m latitude 28- dcg.. iO min. North. 
The population of the coiauty has been increased ten-fold in as many 
years. 

This section is noAv. without doubt, recognized as among the best 
in the State for the cultivation of the Orange and Lemon, by its ex- 
emption from injurious frosts, accessibility to market, and facilities for 
transportation. It is a notablje fact that daring the most severe cold 
the thermometer ranged 10° higher at Sanford, thaji 1 'JO miles further 
north on the St. Johns River. Tl^e lowest range on the 30th of Dec., 
1880, (the great freeze) was, at 6 a. m., ^S",. and at 8 a. m., 32"^, while 
k was 22° at Enterprise, across Lake Monroe north, and at Jacksonville 
and St. Augustinev 18°. At tlve Stat* Fair at Jacksonville^ on tke|26tli 
(){ January, the first prizes were given to pineapples, lemons, and to the 
lime, lemon and citron blossoms ; cabbage, cauliflowers, turnips, ^-c, of 
Sanford — in all, nine premiums for the Grant — a unique exhibit after 
the frost which did so much damage in the Jacksonville region. 

Its situation on the south side of Lake Monroe is very favorable' 
for the growth of fruits, vegetables, &c.. as it gives almost complete 
protection from frosts. 

Sanford is a rapidly tncreasing incorporated to'.vn. witb Shops^ 
Cluirches^ Readiag Room, SchooL Money Order P. 0., Daily l^Iails^ & 



ORAKGE COUNTY, FLORIDA. 47 

newspaper (South Florida Journal), Express and Telegraph, and the 
usual facilities of a growing town, and is the terminus of the South 
Florida Railroad, now completed to the head of the Kissinunee River, 
on the way to the Gulf of jMexico ; it is the terminus for several lines 
of steamboats plying on the St. Johns River — one of them daily to and 
from Jacksonville ; there is a steam saw, box and planing mill in the 
town, which supplies lumber at low prices ; steam sash, door and blind 
factory ; also car shops, in which all the cars of the S. F. R. R., with 
two or three exceptions, have been made. 

There are fine openings for business of various kinds, especially 
factories for making paper, brushes, &c., of the palmetto ; for utilizing 
the Spanish moss for mattresses and upholstery^ for preserving and 
making jeliy, marmalade, &c., of the guava, sweet and sour oranges, 
and other fruits. There is also an opening for a tannery — as annually 
large numbers of hides are sent North from this and adjoining counties 
for sale, while the very best tannin known can be had in unlimited quan- 
tities near at hand — and, in fact, this town offers good openings for all 
industries needed to supply a back country of over 15,000 population 
having its outlet here. 

The Sanford House, one of the best hotels in the State, and 
numerous boarding houses, meet the requirements of travelers of every 
condition. Boating and fishing on Lake Monroe furnishes an unfailing 
resource for the pleasure seeker. A large, warm Sulphur Spring, within 
a mile of the hotel, possesses invigorating properties, while a cold spring 
of sulphur water supplies this healthful beverage to the invalid. An 
ever-flowing Artesian Well in the hotel grounds supplies the guests with 
an abundance of Sulphur Water, the beneficial effects of which are 
marked. 

Lots in the town of Sanford for sale. Special rates and terms for 
the trades and those bringing new business enterprises. 

Apply to 

JAMES E. INGRAHAM, Agent, 

Saxiford, Ora.ng-e Oo-o-Xits?-, I^la-- 



/ 
49 ORANGE COUNTT, FLORIDA, 



South Florida Railroad 



This road is now conspieted as ii^r as 



On Lake TohoptalfigaT the heatt "frsters of the Kissimmee Rivera and otte?>- 
every iaeiKty to the Settler and to the 



ORAME, FRUIT OB VEGETABLE GROWER. 



Its rates of freight and passage are lower than many of the old estaT> 
lished roads- Its egnipmenEs are tiret-class, and its rotid bed one of thf> 
l)est in the State. 

This Company has for sale, on reasonable terms, 

LARGE BODIES OF LAND, 

Well adapted to the culture of the fruits of the citras familVj as well a? 
vegetablesr cane, cotton^ etc. 



The Kissimmee Hotel. 

The property of the Company ^ will be open for guests about the 15th of 
January^ 1882. 



All correspondence regarding lands should be addre^ed to the Chief 
Engineer, 

E. R. TRAFFORD, 



' ORAI^GE' COU^^TY, FLOTtTDA. 



ORLANDO. 



'^This town is the county seat of Orange County. It is located trear 
itiTe-geographical center. -of the county. The region about it is a high 
j/pinecft-untiX'. doitted ^here and there with clea-r, fresh water lakes. The 
, pine timber of this regioni is being rapidly cleared away and the ground* 
set'out in finiit trees. When all of the native timber shall give place to 
•orange groves, and the rolling lands be embellished with tasteful resi- 
dences, surrounded'with groves and v/ell kept grounds, this will be one 
of the most attractive i>ortions of the State. The town is small, and 
although one -of the eldest in t.l>e county, yet is essentially new. It is 
only during the past year. that the to'-vn has sprung into life and vigorous 
growth. Prior to that time the land upon which the place is located was 
in litigation, and valid titles to the property could not be given. For 
this reason peqjle who wished to locate in this vicinity were compelled 
to settle outside, and the country adjacent was developed far in advance 
of the town itself. With the settlement of the litigation came a de- 
mand for lots ; new buildings were erected, new life seemed to pervade 
the comrnunity, and the place has taken o-n a vigorous and sturdy growth 
like that witnessed in many Western towns. 

The completion of the South Florida Railroad from Sanford to 
Orlando, which was almost simultaiseous with the ending of the litiga- 
tion, contributed in no small degree to the boom which the town and 
-surrounding country has enjoyed. This road has opened up transporta- 
tion for fruit and vegetable products, and at the same time brought an 
army of enterprising -home-seekers from other States, who, recognizing 
!the fine attractions offered, have cast their 4ots here, and are contrib- 
uting largely to the general development. 

One of the most gratifying features of this new growth is the fact 
tliat these later accessions are from the most intelligent and substantial 
element of the several 'sections they repiesent. Society, which is now 
forming, promises to be of an exceptianally high order— socially, intel- 
lectually and morally. 

The tow.n is regularly incoiporated ami 'has a mumcipai organiza- 
■tion. It has public schools during th'e public term with a total list of 
nearly one hundred and fifty pupils. Private schools ■r.ve maintained 
during the months when there are no public schools, so that children 
can have the advantage of eight or nine months of school in the -Year. 
There are no church edifices as yet, although there are several regillar 
cliiurch organizations. Baptists. Methodists, Episcopalians and Presby- 
terians are taking preliminary steps toward putting up church buildings, 
and the Catholics have secm-ed ground for church and school in the near 
[future. There are fifteen stores and business houses, covering the gen- 
' oral range of merchandise, wagon and carriage factory, saddlery, livery 
--stable, blacksmith and gunshops. A furniture factory and tannery are 
sin contemplation. There are good hotels and boarding hoiises, but not 
><of sufficient capacity to meet the requirements of the winter season. 
tTJie towJi needs a lar^e hoteJ. Cottaoes are in demand and hard to oh 



50 ORA?fGE COUNTY, FLORIDA. 

tain. A large number of neat and convenient cottages would find 
ready teneiits at good rates. Money judiciously invested in such build- 
ings would give the owner satisfactory retiu-ns. 

A pressing need of this section — as of the greater portion of the 
county — is lumber. Several mills are located near here, but they have 
5iot been able to keep up with the demand, and this scarcity of lumber 
has retarded building operations greatly. There need be no fears that 
the demand will be less for some years, as the rapid growth of town and 
country bids fair to increase rather than deminish. 

Under judicious municipal regulations the taxes are low, and have 
steadily decreased for the past three or four years. Florida taxes are 
never burdensome. The South Florida Railroad is being extended 
southward to the head of navigation on the Kissimmee. This will give 
us direct rail and water communication with the Kissimm-ee and Oke- 
chobee regions. Other lines are projected both eastward and westward, 
and a few years at farthest will place Orlando on direct lines of com- 
munication v.ith tl^.e Atlantic and Gulf coasts, and but three or four 
hours ride from either. This will insure a daily supply of saltwater fish 
and oysters in the season, and make a "trip to the coast"' but a 
morning ride. 

One thing which is contributing largely to the prosperity and de- 
velopement of this portion of the county is the fact that lands are being 
subdivided into small holdiiigs of five, ten and twenty acres, and each 
of these small tracts is being taken for settlement and cultivation. 
People are beginning to understand that for fruit and vegetable culture 
an Florida, ten acres is enough- This system of subdivision insures 
better improvements, high culture and greater population. 

Two practical nuserynien, of abundant means and extensive ex- 
perience have purchased land adjacent to the town, and are now engag- 
ed in the preliuiinary work of these enterprises. This vvill ix) of great 
value to this section, as it will enable people to get supplies of trees at 
home, and at the same time give them the Ijenefit of the intelligent 
experiments of practical horticulturists. 

A private school of high grade, would be welcomed, and Uberally 
patroiMzod from the start- The manufacture of furniture would be 
profitable. A merchant tailor and a shoemaker are needed, and if com- 
petent would do well. The manufacture of marmalade from oranges 
and guavas is a field which is inviting attention, and orange wine from 
the cracked fruit, could be made in large quantities and at a hand- 
some' profit. 

To those who are seeking homes in Florida, Orlando extends a 
cordial invitation to come and see for themselves. Come and see us- 
If you are pleased and wish to locate here, a hearty welcome awaits you. 



ORANGE COUNTY, FLORIDA. 51 



WLi'SREftLESMIlEENCy 

NO. 1, DE LANEY'S BLOCK, 

Orlando, Oraii^-e Coyoty, Fiorida. 

The efforts of this agencj' are confined almost entirely to 

ORANGE COUNTY, 

Becjiuse it is Healthy. Beoau.se it is Below Damaging Fr(«t Line. 
Because, after thorough examination and investigation of other sections, I 
Ixilieve it to be, everything considered, 

THE BEST COUNTY IW THE STATE, 

for the profitable culture of the semi-tropical fruits. Because 

It is Attracting to it the Attention of Every State in the Union, 

and of Foreign Countries, and 

Zs IDista3:^cir:.g- 3^"ver37- Otii.er Oo-axitTT- 

!u the increase of its population, as shown by the last census. Because in 
a county greater in area than many states in the Union, 

There are yet Plenty of G-ood Lands For Sale. 

Because coniining my attention to this particular, locality, I can ol>taui 
A more accurate knowledge of every place 1 have for sale, and am less liable 
to be deceived or to deceive others as to their merits. I take no place on my 
books which personal and close inspection has not convinced me is well 
worth the price demanded for it; and I hold myself personally responsible 
for an honest and fair statement, in every instance, of advantages or di.— 
advantages. Parties at a distance wisliing to purchase, will do well to give 
tiieir limit as to price ; I can then write them more detinite descriptions of 
pro})erties coming within their range. 

TELL UE AS ISfEAIiLY AS POSSIBLE WHAT TOU WANT, AND I'LL J^IND 
IT IF IT IS TO JBE HAD, 

Florida to-day presents more inducements to the immigrant, rich or 
poor, than any other State or territory in the Union; and Orange County 
«Vs many, at least, as any County in the State. Siie has 

THE MAGNIFICENT ST. JOHNS RIVEK. 

navigable by large vessels to the ocean, 

Openhig to Her the Best 3Iar]cets in theWorld 

^or her fruits by cheapest transportation. She has a i-jiilroad now, eonneet- 
ing her with the headwaters of heavi' steamboat navigation ut Lake Monroe, 
',ind M-liicli will soon be completed to the Gulf of Mexico — net works of 
railways already oliartered, and soon to be built, will give her speedy trans- 
portation to all the principal points. Correspondence on all points of inter- 
est to the immigrant respectfully solicited and promptlv answered. 
1^ See page 28. JOIIN G. SINCLAIR , 



OBANGE COUNTY, FLOKIDA. 



W. A. PATRICK. 



C. A. B©9NE. 



PATRICK & BOONE. 

Corner Church and Orange Streets. 



HARDWARE, 

CMOCKEKY, GLASS, CHIJSA, TIJ\\, WOOIK 
AND WILL O W WAUM, 

STOVES & STOVE FIXTURES.. 

TflE CELEBRATED 
IISO."V lili^G, cook* and duplicate pieces- thoreiois, oon.stanti}' on lunwl. 



TOOL S , 
PAINTS, 

OILS, 

Varnish 

WHirmG 

AND 

BRUSHES 




Mattresses, 

AND 

MATTING, 

DOORS,, 
SASH 

AND 

BLINDS 



S${ HARNESS, 



PLOWS .VND HOES. 

SUGAR-CANE MIULS & PANS; BARBED FENCE WIR&. 

C3-TJIsrS, 

QUN WADS, POWDER FLASKS;. SHOT POUCHES & AMMUNITION. 

.i^g?OBAIvGitt:BOXf:S,AND VVkAPS in LARQP QUA^JTITJE^ 



OR AI!«^GE COUNTY, FLORH>A. 53 

Valuable Town Lots 

IN THE 

BUSINESS CENTER, 

OF Tm THRIVING 





ALSO Tn:e; most valuable 



ANP- 



Hotel Purposes. 

Fon CASH on ow timjc, 

Thesb-lote ha\-e vecently been 

PLACED UPON THE MARKET 

Aud are 

FINDINQ A IIA?IP SALE FOR BOTH BUSIJT.SSS PUEPOSSS, 
AND EESIDENCES. 

T.Ik' rec*;iit growth of the towu is upon the tract of land of whuJi tlw-'se lot-. 

are u portion. 

They | Rapidly Increasing s Value, 

on ncex>unt of i lie growing demand for them. For information as t<-) y)ri<v!:^ 
and terms, apph- to A^ X, llAJiUlNGTON, Orlando. Fin. 

■ Ii.li,.liKJP.. 



54 OEANGE COUXTY, FLORIDA. 

HON". D. F. HAMMOXD. E. M. HAMMOXD. JXO. C. JONES. 

HAMMONDS & JONES, 
Attorneys at Law 

Solicitors in Equity. 

Will practice in all the couits, 

STATE AND FEDERAL. 

ALSO 

Real Estate Agents 

Ji^^pt'esenthig Finest Oranrfe Groves aiul Un- 
cleared JLands In the State. 

OFFICES AT 

Orlando, Orange County, Fla. 



New York Saddlery 

ORLAUDO, FLA. 



issT-^EiLiXsssiE}!::' j.6i^i^Tjr^£^iR-ir, x,eei. 



^:ST SHOP IN THE STATE. 

A FULL LINE OF 

UAIIXESS. SADDLES. BRIDLES, COLLARS, WHIPS, OIL, CHOICE 
BITS, AND SADDLERY HARDWARE. 

mm TRiii/iiyiiNGS. 

WAGON CUSHIONS OF LEATH:ER OR DUCK MADE TO ORDER. 

ALL WORK DOXJ^ BY IIAXD. 
3Sro IF'a.ctoar^r "V7"Qrls: or S,li,pd,d.3?« Sitocls. 

OKDKIiS BY Mail promptly A']iT:'ENDeD lO. 

Call on or address, 
KFi^^ yOKIv SADDLHRYv Oblanpq, Florida, 



tDHA^TGE COUNTT. IH^.OPvTDA. 



THE LAKE HOUSE. 

S. H. TIGi^iEe, - - Proprietor. 
ORLANDO, FLORIDA. 

This house is pleasantly situated wrthiti two uiiiarites" walk of the bilsi- 
siess portion ol the .town. It fronts a 

PLEASANT LITT'LE LAKE, 

•.and the surroundiui^s are attractive. It is the aim ©I the proprietor to kwpa 



where Tonriets and Visitors ain find a pleasant home. 

BOARD BY THE DAY OR WEEK. 





m THE THRLVIXG 

Town of Orlando, 

Adjoining- and near to tlie 

South Florida Railroad Depot, 

Suitable tor 

STORES, WAREHOUSES ami RESIDENCES. 

I s.ni olieiuug the best bargains in Town Lots of any one. 

ALSO, A FEW 

OICE IMPROVED PLACES, 

With bearing Orange Proves. Titles Perfect. 

W. A. PATRICK, 



•50 



'ORA?fGE (COUNTT.TLORID'A. 



'lYIOST RELIABLE LIWE EVER OFFERibiN SOUTH FLORIDA & AT NEW YORK PRICES 
JtlorhJd Ctn'i'osiY[**s, Opt teal Goods ^ &(: 



A. G. SCHWERTER, 

jlKALRklS AND MANUFACTrRER OP 





'm 



CLOCKS, JEWELRY, 

AND PLATED WAKE, 
Orlando, Orange County, Fla 

STATIOIMERY, ^c. 

Rkpairixg of every description executed carefully and with dispatch. Orders ^ 

by mail receive prompt attention. All goods warranted a."* represented, E; 

by written fruaranteo. To Persons at a Distance. — Any article 

you may desire in my line, send amount by Post Office 

.Money Order or ReKistcred Letter, and I will for- 

, ward the same on trial. If not suitable I 

will refund amount on return of goods. 

Prices sent on application. 

.JIUf/atar Sfeetft. Sea j^eaii.ctr SlieU tiewfdrjf. 



The geographical lobation of Orange County, lying as it does 
between the St. Johns River on the east, and the Ocklawaha River and 
Lakes Eustis, Dora, Beauclair and Apopka on the west, gives it not only 
unexcelled water transportation facilities, but protection from excessive 
cold, and renders it the natural home of the semi-tropical fruits, par- 
ticularly so of the citrus family. The county embraces every variety of 
land : lands suited to fruit growing, vegetable gardening, silgar cane 
and general farming. 

The healthfulness of the county is unexcelled by any country in the 
world. 

Sanford. the .head of navigation for large steamers on the St. Johns 
River, is in the cienter of the largest orange producing portion of the 
county. Within a radius of eight miles are 2!t2 orange groves, in which 
are growing 165.625 orange and lemon trees, which will yield this year 
2,568,000 oranges. J>ess than five per cent of the trees are yet bearing, 
the larger- portion being young trees which will bear in from one to five 
years from this date. 

Two railroads are completed and running in the county. The 
South Florida Railroad, which is completed from Sanford to the head- 
waters of the Kissimmee River, a distance of forty miles, runs through 
a thickly settled portion of the couiily'. 

Four_ other railroads will run into Sanford : the Sanford & Indian 
River Railroad ; Sanford, Lake Eustis & Ocala Railroad ; Tavares & 
Lake Monroe Railroad, and Palatka & Sanford Railroad, thereby making 
Sanford and its immediate vicinity the center of the railroad system of 
South and East Florida. 

Liiproved and unimproved lands ca« • be purchased at reasonable 
prices, adjoining and near to railroad and river transportation. 

for particulars, &c.. address, 

J. J. HARRIS & CO., 

Sanford. Ft. a. 



THE WAYCROSS SHORT LINE 

Florida Dispatch Line. 

The Shortest, Quickest and Best Route, 
For Freight and Passenger Service, 

TO ALL POINTS 

l^TOI^Tia:, EI-A-ST -A-3iTi:) -^^TEST 

From Orange County and all Points iti Florida, 



DOUBLE DAILY TRAIN SERVICE 

To aud From Jackonville and Ca.lla.lia.n Junction. 



SPECIAL ATTENTION PAID TO SHIPPING ORANGES, 

Movement in Ventilated Cars on Fast Trains to destination bj^ rail, without 
breakin"' bulk. Tiansfers by tins line are at steamships' docks, without re- 
iiandling- in transit. Tliis is tiie only line that can give tiirongh dispatch of 
oran<>-e siiipnients to destination in the same cars that are loaded at the 
groves. 

For full information on all matters pertaining to transportation by the 
New Line, address, 

JAS. L. TAYLOR, 
H. S. HAINES, Gen. Freiglit and Passenger Agent. 

General Manager. 

D. H. ELLIOT, General Agent Florida Dispatcli Line. 



Library of Congress 
Branch Bindery, 1902 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



,/ J*^* 



014 541 048 4 









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